Would It Be Possible To Have A Prayer Section?

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Hi,

I was wondering if it would be possible to have a section just for people to request prayers? And people could sign up for automatic email alerts, so that if someone posts with a real emergency, everyone who signs up would be immediately notified (or as soon as the topic is pinned).

That way they could send their prayers, positive energy, hugs, etc., ASAP.

I thought of this because "confused's" BIL had an emergency yesterday, she posted a plea for prayers, but her BIL passed away. I didn't even see the thread until it was too late. Not that I think that my prayers would necessarily kept her BIL alive (though you never know!)--but at the very least, they could have helped her and her family.

Thanks....

[ravenwoodglass]

Hi,

I was wondering if it would be possible to have a section just for people to request prayers? And people could sign up for automatic email alerts, so that if someone posts with a real emergency, everyone who signs up would be immediately notified (or as soon as the topic is pinned).

That way they could send their prayers, positive energy, hugs, etc., ASAP.

I thought of this because "confused's" BIL had an emergency yesterday, she posted a plea for prayers, but her BIL passed away. I didn't even see the thread until it was too late. Not that I think that my prayers would necessarily kept her BIL alive (though you never know!)--but at the very least, they could have helped her and her family.

Thanks....

I think that is a great idea, perhaps we will see one soon.

[Joni63]

Awesome idea!

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Scott, are you out there? What do you think?

[Ridgewalker]

I like this idea, too.

[JoyfulM]

I'm all for it, too!

[Scott Adams]

Hello Everyone,

I'm sorry but we already have a special section where you are free to start such threads:

Open Original Shared Link

Feel free to start any thread you like in there--but please avoid controversial topics like: "does prayer for the sick really help?"

Take care,

Scott

[Mtndog]

I think a Members in Need section would be great...you could ask for prayers, hugs, good wishes, positive energy.....whatever you need.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Hello Everyone,

I'm sorry but we already have a special section where you are free to start such threads:

Open Original Shared Link

Feel free to start any thread you like in there--but please avoid controversial topics like: "does prayer for the sick really help?"

Take care,

Scott

Umm, Scott, I think you may have misunderstood my point.

I am aware that we are free to start such threads. As I stated in my first post, confused DID start such a thread--but since I don't have time to constantly scan the Gab/Chat room, I didn't see her post until after her BIL passed away. It might have made a big difference to her emotionally if I and others could have added some support immediately--which was what she was begging for.

I think Mtndg has the best suggestion: a Members in Need section, where those of us who wish to could sign up for email notification of each new thread. This also might be very important to people who need celiac-savvy medical information ASAP to bring to clueless doctors before harm is done.

Would you please consider starting such a section?

[aikiducky]

As far as I know, it's possible to get email alerts to a thread, isn't it? So if you start a thread with the title you want, everyone who wants can subscribe to email alerts to that particular thread, and it can still be housed inside the chat forum. Just like the OMG thread has gotten a life of its own, kinda.

Pauliina

[psawyer]

I think that what Fiddle-Faddle was getting at is that you can "subscribe" to a forum on this site, and you will be notified by email if a new topic is started in that forum. Subscribing to the Gab/Chat Room will get you notifications about a lot of topics which have nothing to do with members in need.

Once a thread is started, you can subscribe to it, but the request is directed to new threads about urgent need for support, not necessarily related to celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

I can also see Scott's point of view. An area set apart distinctly for prayer requests could cause concern for some, and could cause revival of some old debates about religion that saw some members banned. The question of "does prayer for the sick work?" leads directly to the controversial question "Is there really a God, and does He really care?"

Let's not go there again.

My view. Yours may vary.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

I think that what Fiddle-Faddle was getting at is that you can "subscribe" to a forum on this site, and you will be notified by email if a new topic is started in that forum. Subscribing to the Gab/Chat Room will get you notifications about a lot of topics which have nothing to do with members in need.

Once a thread is started, you can subscribe to it, but the request is directed to new threads about urgent need for support, not necessarily related to celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

I can also see Scott's point of view. An area set apart distinctly for prayer requests could cause concern for some, and could cause revival of some old debates about religion that saw some members banned. The question of "does prayer for the sick work?" leads directly to the controversial question "Is there really a God, and does He really care?"

Let's not go there again.

My view. Yours may vary.

Thanks, Peter, for putting into better words.

I repeat--mtndg's idea of a "members in need" section is the best--that doesn't limit it to prayers, or even anything religious, but people who seriously need support of any kind--prayers, positive energy, cyber-hugs, research for serious health issues (like when mamaw was in the hospital, if anybody remembers), etc--can get it ASAP without having to wade through gab and chat, and without having to wait for their thread to be pinned and seen.

[Rachel--24]

Why not just start a prayer thread in the Gab/Chat forum? Anyone who is in need can post in that thread and anyone who chooses can subscribe to that particular thread.

Another smaller board which I frequently post on has a thread specifically for prayers. The board does not have seperate forums so the thread is on the main page as long as people are posting in it.

At one time the thread was removed by moderators for the same reasons Scott has mentioned....and I think his concerns are valid given what we've seen here in the past with regards to religion.

Anyways, the "prayer thread" was brought back since many members felt it was needed...as far as I know there have not been any problems with it.

I dont think it matters if the thread is located in gab/chat....it would still serve the same purpose and you would still be made aware of new postings on the thread as long as you subscribe to it.

This also would allow the poster to get their request through without having to wait for their topic to be pinned.

[happygirl]

Using the "view new posts" function may help others with keeping up with new posts, rather than having to click on individual forums.

[confused]

Im sorry i didnt even think of asking for prayers would be contoversial, so im sorry for doing that. I sometimes forget that not everyone prays. And i wasnt aware of the problems that arrived from the past talking about prayers or religbion. So I hope no one is upset with me for asking. If i need to edit my post asking for prayers i will gladly do so. I dont want to cause problems on this board. I have enough going on and dont want to make anyone mad at me on this forum.

But thank you for everyone that kept me in their thoughts and prayers during this so difficult time in my life. I will always be grateful to those that cared.

paula

[Lisa]

Im sorry i didnt even think of asking for prayers would be contoversial, so im sorry for doing that. I sometimes forget that not everyone prays. And i wasnt aware of the problems that arrived from the past talking about prayers or religbion. So I hope no one is upset with me for asking. If i need to edit my post asking for prayers i will gladly do so. I dont want to cause problems on this board. I have enough going on and dont want to make anyone mad at me on this forum.

But thank you for everyone that kept me in their thoughts and prayers during this so difficult time in my life. I will always be grateful to those that cared.

paula

Paula,

One persons prayer is another's good wishes and thoughts. I am sure that all of us wish for you peace of mind for this difficult time for you and your family. Not to worry about this tread

[jerseyangel]

Paula,

I can assure you that no one is upset with you for anything

You have so much on your plate, please don't give it another thought. Many people have asked for prayers and good thoughts--myself included.

Please take care, a lot of people are sending positive thoughts your way.

[Jestgar]

Im sorry i didnt even think of asking for prayers would be contoversial, so im sorry for doing that.

Paula,

I am one of the non-religious types on this forum and have no problem with you, or anyone, asking for prayers. I interpret it as "good energy", which I am more than happy to direct your way.

I also have no issues with a 'prayer thread', but a whole forum, I think, is not appropriate.

[lovegrov]

Believe me, Paula, no one's upset with you.

richard

[blueeyedmanda]

Paula,

I am not upset with you. There is nothing wrong with asking for good thoughts and prayers.

[Mtndog]

Paula- You shouldn't feel bad at all- I agree with MommaGoose, that prayer is the same to some people as asking for help, hope, hugs, good wishes. Not to worry!

[Scott Adams]

As mentioned, feel free to start a "Members In Need" thread here in the Gab/Chat area and subscribe to updates for it--you will get any posts to that thread via email...no need for a special forum for this as there is already an area here where this would fit in perfectly.

Take care,

Scott

[AndreaB]

Why not just start a prayer thread in the Gab/Chat forum? Anyone who is in need can post in that thread and anyone who chooses can subscribe to that particular thread.

This also would allow the poster to get their request through without having to wait for their topic to be pinned.

Good idea.

Im sorry i didnt even think of asking for prayers would be contoversial, so im sorry for doing that. I sometimes forget that not everyone prays. And i wasnt aware of the problems that arrived from the past talking about prayers or religbion. So I hope no one is upset with me for asking. If i need to edit my post asking for prayers i will gladly do so. I dont want to cause problems on this board. I have enough going on and dont want to make anyone mad at me on this forum.

It's not a problem asking for prayers, thoughts....whatever a person believes in. The controversy comes from people not accepting other's viewpoints and beliefs.

No one is mad at you.

As mentioned, feel free to start a "Members In Need" thread here in the Gab/Chat area and subscribe to updates for it--you will get any posts to that thread via email...no need for a special forum for this as there is already an area here where this would fit in perfectly.

I'll go ahead and start a topic called Members in Need.

Thanks Scott.