Atheists - how do you respond when someone asks you to pray for them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always just say "absolutely, I'm so sorry you're going through this."

Why get into it? The time someone is in pain is not the time to be like "god isn't real."

I'm not saying to get into it, but being dishonest also doesn't seem like the right call.

I say "I don't pray". It elicits surprise, but I also think that it makes the person asking realize that it's not the wisest question to ask

Because someone who's in pain needs you to provoke them with surprise and a challenge about whether their question is wise. You must be so proud of yourself.

Not proud -- honest

Then why do you do it? You've convinced yourself that now is the time, when your friend is at their most rock-bottom vulnerable, to confront them with your atheism in the form of a "surprise" challenge about whether their question is "wise"? Do you always make everything about you?

[Anonymous]

I just say something like “we’ll be thinking of you….let me know if you need anything” or similar.

[Anonymous]

"You and your family are in my thoughts. I'm so sorry for your loss."

[Anonymous]

It's called empathy and you can give it in the moment without feeling dishonest. I don't correct everyone who wishes me a Merry Christmas either. I just say thanks you and go on about my day. Everyone doesn't have to know your every inner thought.

[Anonymous]

I like to say something like "I'll be sending you all love" or "you'll be on my heart" which feels like praying, without the deity.