I recognize that it is really an aggressive statement, their socially acceptable way of getting back at you. You're not supposed to have any defense with a statement like that. Maybe a good retort would be,"I'd pray for you, but that would be useless." Maybe we can think up a word to replace "pray."

" in the 21st century ?"

I say thank you because it is the polite thing to say. People mean well when they use these words and so we should be thankful that they are showing kindness towards others.

I ask them not to

Depends and sincerity is key. I have a religious cousin whom I adore as she is intelligent, strong and serious — but she laughs easily as well. With her I nod and say thank you. I know from her it’s not a trite tag line. I think when she says she will pray for me it involves thinking of me, hoping the best for me, and being grateful that I’m in her life.

Everyone else is an asshole and their prays are pointless and dumb.

It depends on my mood and their sincerity.

My friends who know me do a pretty good job of refraining from saying things like that.

For others, I rarely hear it, but I can imagine I would smile half-heartedly or change the subject. I would never say "Thank you." They aren't doing anything to help my situation -- they are praying to feel good themselves.

"When the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, they first prayed to God. Then, they preyed on the Indians"--Mark Twain

Here, they know better. When my late partner's mother died suddenly my sister-in-law (a Christian) sent a card with lots of scripture quotes. I sent her a letter and reminded her my partner was an atheist and the card actually increased her pain. Some 15 years later my brother reminded me his wife is still smarting from my letter. Tough, if she didn't have the guts to talk to me personally I have no pity for her.

"Nothing fails like prayer", usually leaves them with their mouths open....LOL

The last time someone said this to me was when I was visiting a dying relative. I just thanked them. Praying is a coping mechanism for them and of it brings them some kind peace then albeit. I won't tell them not to bother.

If they know Im a non-believer, I say...I can't stop you and I'm sure it won't help, but it can't hurt either.

Others is just a simple thank you or whatever.

I say thanks and know they mean well and at least they have me in their thought

I find myself saying that but I see it more as well-wishing and not literally praying. I think people say that to bring comfort, as I do.

Sometimes I say please don't. But not always.

It most cases I would say thank you and keep it moving. However, if I sneeze and someone says "god bless you. " I would tell them that they just curse or I wouldn't thank them. Both would give them cause to never say it again.

It really depends on my mood when I hear it. If I'm in a good mood, I'll ignore it.

Never bothered me.

That's nice. Run along and play now.

Well okay I would mostly not do that in real life, but it's certainly my internal response.

Usually in practice I thank them perfunctorily and move on. I don't care enough about it to push back. And in fairness, there's usually no malevolence behind it, and even when it's sanctimonious, I'm not threatened by it.