Instead of saying "I'll pray for you," say: "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Holding you in my heart" is one I like. "Wishing/hoping all good things for you"

"I'm here for you. Anything I can do for you, just ask. Let's get together again soon to talk some more".

Actions are so much better than words.

There are a few, but I usually will say something like, "My thoughts are with you," or, "I'll be thinking about you," for general purpose. I'll add whatever is appropriate if there is something like a death or an illness.

I'm not good with the mushy stuff, either; it feels insincere much of the time. But, when people are looking for comfort, I think just being there physically can be a great help. It may be a good substitute to thank them for sharing their pain and grief, and you have a better understanding of their struggle. That feels less like a platitude than saying "I'll pray for you" or "you're in my thoughts." But, when possible, I think actions really do speak louder than words, and finding a way to help, when appropriate, can make a huge difference (e.g., preparing a meal, providing transportation, looking after the pets for a few days while they are away at the hospital, etc.). Sometimes just being there and listening to them can be a great comfort, especially when it's an otherwise normal visit without all of the pity they are likely getting from everyone else; it can help restore some sense of normalcy and take their mind off their troubles.

Instead of praying for me could you make me a sandwich?

I usually let them know my heart is hurting with them and I care for them and their family. Then give specific ways I can help like asking if they need help with rides to the doctor, need a babysitter, when I can cut the lawn, when I can bring over a meal. If it's a kid I like to know what their interests are and bring them a gift. People will be uncomfortable at first because they don't know what it's like to actually get something helpful rather than just a prayer that the person is going to forget to pray anyway. But hopefully eventually they will accept your kindess. Just be careful because then they'll just know you have a heart for Jesus, you just don't know it yet. palm to forehead

Wow! I am continually amazed at just how religious you Americans still are!? I think I would say "I really feel for you my friend and only wish that I could do more to help you, any time you need a chat, I'm here .
It's not as off pat as I will pray for you but it is more genuine because praying certainly won't help anyone, other than maybe to make the person doing the praying feeling like they've done something to help when actually they haven't.
I feel very much the other way around, that people who say things like I will pray for you are just trite and not really genuine. But then again I'm British and we just don't seem to be as religious as you folk !?

I (almost) always say something like, "Praying is not my thing, but I will be thinking of you and hoping things work out for you".

I tend to say, I will carry you in my heart, or put positive vibes into the universe. However prayer doesn't have to mean prayer to a god. I believe people purposefully sending positive thoughts, does make a difference, especially when many people do this. I have begun calling this prayer. I meditate about someone's healing or deliverance from difficult circumstances, and that, to me, is praying. It also makes it easier to not feel a need to explain my personal beliefs in the midst of someone else's pain.

You are in my thoughts, I will be thinking of you, best wishes, hope it works out for you etc

What can I do to help you?

That's a hard one. I usually say that my thoughts are with them.

Always thought, for believer and atheist alike, "Is there anything i can do to help?" was a better reply than, "I will pray for you."
I hope, even when there isn't anything, the person appreciates the offer.

He really said "I know you'll pray for me?" Wow! I don't think I could have let that go.

I always say "I'll keep a good thought".

I just reply with, "You'll be in my thoughts." No one has said anything back to that yet. I know it doesn't seem as uplifting, but isn't that really what they're doing? I mean, prayer is usually done inside your head, so technically they're just thinking of you... or at least saying they will.

My thoughts are with you.

I usually respond by saying, " Ill be thinking about you "Then i may add ," please let me know if there is anything i can do for you"

"I'm here for you" is probably the best I can come up with. Just being there for somebody, lending more than just your thoughts, can do a lot of good. Not everybody is great with words, so sometimes your presence or even a hug, can do so much more.

I say something like "I'll be hoping for a good outcome" for you.

"I'll pray for you" infers that you're going to send out positive thoughts (prayers, wishes, etc) to God, right? So maybe because you don't believe in the "middle-man" here, you can just say that you will send them well wishes directly to them?

For me, I make sure to send as much positivity and love in their direction as possible, but I know that is not so easy for everyone. We all have our own ways of expressing ourselves and that is OKAY.

The simple act of thinking and speaking positively towards our surroundings has a massive effect on a molecular level. Scientifically speaking, it has been proven that we affect our environment directly just by the words and actions that we choose to carry out into the physical. Make your "prayer" to them in the form of kind words, affectionate actions, or even a loving embrace in the time of need.

You have the power to change someone's life, always.

"pray" actually meant "wish" when the English Bible was translated, and this is reflected in the original

I hope the best for you and I'm available if you need to talk more.

Say "I'm here for you." Tell them you will listen any time. If it were his own child, you would ask what sort of help you, and his other office staff mates, might offer.

Kudos on the self-restraint to not tell him you don't waste your time or energy praying.