"I'm sorry to hear that. Keep me updated." Then you don't have to lie. If you're close enough, I'd throw in a "let me know if there's anything I can do" as well.

Call her. Check in and let her know you hope it all goes well. No need to mention prayer.

Say something along the lines of "you're in my thoughts". That's what I do.

I would just say sure thing. It doesn't seem like this would be a situation where it is prudent or necessary or sensitive to make an issue of differing beliefs.

I just tell them I'm thinking about them and maybe send good wishes.

I always say, "sending love and light."

It’s just a plea for support. We don’t have to get caught up in what we think someone means by it. I always say “ sending vibes” . Just so the person is aware of the support. I don’t have any conversation in my head that “ I don’t pray so I can’t support the request or I will support them but not like that.

I would say I'm thinking of them. Which is true. I don't pray.

I ignore the prayer part. It's not the time to make a stink. Say that you are sorry about the health issues. You hope for the best for them. They are in your thoughts.

For me, if faced with this, the reply would be 'He's in my thoughts'. It shows I care and it isn't confrontational in any way

I do not respond. They were not requesting a response.

I just went through this recently. I told the truth. I said, "I don't pray. But, I will
keep good thoughts for you, which is the exact same thing."
I'm not really sure how the other person felt about it, but they haven't asked
me to do it since.

I do not have to respect religious beliefs, but I can still respect the individual.
That is also a two-way street. If you want respect, you have to give it, too.
You can't expect anyone else to respect your (general) religious beliefs, if you
are unwilling to respect that others may not share them, or believe anything.

I usually say that I hope the doctors are amazing and are able to help.

I don't think one has to assert themselves at that point. As others have suggested, one can provide support in such a situation without betraying themselves: He is in my thoughts, I remain hopeful, wishing him only the best in care. I've experienced even being in a prayer circle. While I bowed my head, I was thinking about my "to do" list for the day. The religious or religion controls your mind only if you let them or it.

i have been asked for prayers, not by family but by friends. i always say "i don't pray, but i will be thinking about you, and i hope for the very best."

g

I respond with "He will be in my thoughts."

I usually say "healing thoughts coming your way" and "good juju".

All of my best thoughts and wishes are headed your way.

I really don’t understand why this is considered “silly request” by some. It’s ok if they want to believe in something, just like it’s ok for us to not to believe.

I’d say “I’ll keep you in my thoughts and please let me know if there’s anything I can do. I’m here for you and Chris, love you both” if I had a family/siblings. I hope Chris will get well soon!

And to anyone else... Just because we are different shouldn’t mean we should turn our back to each other’s that don’t think like us. And this is not straight to you Shelton - I read your additional comments and keep it your way... but some of the comments here... smh... really people? Is being an asshole to someone when they most need love and support taught by your family or is it just in your nature? Yeah we don’t believe in the same thing but rubbing it in someone’s face when they’re mentally/emotionally broken is just straight assholism.

I would just respond that "I'm thinking of you in this difficult time".

If someone's loved one is extremely ill or in a dire situation I am most likely to just nod my head or maybe even say "sure". That doesn't seem to be a good time for a productive discussion that includes a debate on God or religion. If someone is scared to death a loved one may perish the debate can wait.

Very sorry to hear that but I'm glad they are getting it treated and have loved ones like you to watch over them. If you need to talk or PM me!

‘I’ll do everything I can, but that won’t help.’ But fortunately, my family are Atheists.

Tag along, say yes to give them peace of mind and take the win knowing you don't have to do ?

I usually just say I'm sending them well wishes or healthy thoughts. I'm very open about being atheist though so I think pretty much everyone knows.