It was intrusive and presumptuous, but unfortunately some religious people feel that being that way is the right thing to do. I absolutely disagree. Faith or the lack of faith is personal and private. I'm sure that she assumed that the fact that you were at church meant you were inviting her in.

The folks who asked were told to move to the aisles so it was easier to reach them.

It would have meant something to the others. Why spend time with someone who hadn't asked?

Of course it's ok! If you're an atheist and you don't believe in the power of prayer why in the hell would you care anyway? Doesn't make sense to me.

Maybe she was confused and thought your hand had gone up?

I thought so as well. Especially when others had asked for prayer and I had not.

Putting her hand on your shoulder is intrusive.

Praying for you -- assuming that is what she was actually doing is between her and God. If there is a God. If there isn't a God, well then what she thinks to herself is her own business.

Thanks conscious and you make a good point. It may have been easier if she had explained why.

With due respect, Rich, she may have felt she was 'told' to do so. In that environment, "inappropriate" is highly subjective. Your space isn't your own.

fresh blood :)

She is free to pray for me if she wants. I just don't know why she came over and put her hand on my shoulder at that time. Others had asked for prayer. Why pass them up for someone who hadn't asked for prayer?

True but the woman at the end of my pew had asked for prayer. Her son is addicted to heroin. Why pass her up and pray for someone who hadn't asked. Seems strange to me.

well, you entered their "home" of sorts and that may well be accepted by that community. If you don't want people praying for you, you might increase those chances by not attending a churchs ervice. :)

Objectively I would have to answer, Yes, it is ok. What they do is their business.

My own personal opinion is that I hope some day to be intelligent enough to have a complete understanding of the entire universe and thus can make a qualified decision as to weather God exists or not and more importantly what does he think if he does exist. I probably won't live that long which really puts a chink in that plan.

I went to Church with my wife yesterday. The Pastor asked if anyone felt they needed prayed for. A number of hands went up and the people made their way to these folks and prayed for them. An elderly woman who I have met before sat next to me and put her hand on my shoulder and began to pray. I don't know why and she didn't explain. I felt it was inappropriate since I hadn't asked. It was awkward and since she was older I didn't say anything. Is it okay to do that if I hadn't requested prayer?