when someone special is dying, going to die, etc., we need all the comfort we can get, and I personally don't mind if someone posts here asking for a prayer. It's not as if you have to click through page after page of them to come accross one post about gear.. so who cares?
I personally wouldn't post a thread asking for prayers or condolences, just cause it's my business and don't think every else needs to hear about it. Also, I am not religious, but I have no problem with other people asking for prayers. If it makes you feel better, then bro, I hope you get all the prayers in the world, because they obviously mean more to you than to me.
I've only been posting here for a few months, but to some people, the other members of this board are like family to them.
And you know what? No one is making you read the threads. So whenever you see "my dog is gonna die from.." or whatever threads, just don't click on them and you'll be fine.
anyways that's my two cents
Cheers