What is an alternative for thoughts and prayers?
I sometimes tell people I'm sending "good vibes" in their direction. I tell this to my sister when she calls, then I face Northwest, raise my arm, and go "bzzzzzzz." She knows it's not serious. Just for fun.
After reading the comments I think just find solace in your own self. My first thought, prior to reading, was a response to evangelicals - up yours.
Family or friend: I am so sorry (or worried) and I will be thinking of you all the time, please keep me posted!
Authority: We will take action right now and will do whatever necessary for...
Sympathy and a willingness to help. Thoughts and prayers don’t hurt anything also.
Reading the comments on here, I agree that prayers are generally useless unless they spur action. However, my ex wives both told me that they just wanted me to listen and NOT try to solve their problems. So, given that lesson, active listening would probably be the right prescription. So how about"Feeling empathy and sending compassion".