On the flip side, I have a coworker who tells me she’ll “think good thoughts for me during this time” and really all that does is make me wonder – what kind of thoughts is she thinking towards me the rest of the time?!?

I’m an atheist, so I admit to feeling a small flash of annoyance when someone tells me they are keeping me in their prayers. I completely understand the thought. It’s just the assumption that everyone is religious that bugs me.

I don’t take any great offense, but it does make me uncomfortable.

Great topic. Cassie has the right idea in saying ‘thoughts’ rather than ‘prayers,’ but there are other issues at work here.

The place this gets challenging is when you begin to look at religious diversity. I’m neo-pagan, so the term ‘prayer’ doesn’t apply very well to my construct. I think the general concept of prayer is generally innocuous enough that most people won’t have a problem with it. I certainly won’t. That said, I know some pagans, Buddhists, Atheists, and Agnostics who would have a big problem if you told them you were going to pray for them, even in such a mild manner.

I think it’s silly, but there it is. It is sad, but our culture often takes everything said from a personal standpoint and doesn’t take into account the intent or value of what’s being done. They focus on the form ‘prayer’ and not the intent ’strength for you and your family while grieving.’

I think careful consideration and attention to preference are the watchwords of the day.

To me, saying “thoughts” instead of “prayers” is just as thoughtful, potentially less awkward, and still true even if you are praying for them.