I have siblings who do the same ; I interpret as wishing me well and keeping me in thier thoughts. I do not judge others
with a simpler view of life ; at the same time I MAINTAIN
my boundries of whether to vest myself in thier beliefs
(I do not). A kind act -giving support; is a kind act.

Then it has become more for her benefit and not yours.

Since you don't believe, what does it hurt or matter? It is obvious she cares about your welfare, and isn't that the important thing here?

I have some close friends who are very religious. In fact, they operate in urban Church. One of them has sat by me on more than one occasion when I've had outpatient surgeries and she has prayed for me both privately and openly. I never say a word about it. I think she does that for me in the same spirit with which she gives me rides to and from those appointments. There are probably things about me that she grits her teeth about too, But that's the way friends are.

Offering to pray for someone is for me, the most vainglorious and sanctimonious way of feeling good about oneself for doing fuck all.

You have a human being friend that cares about you. That is good! I think that is all that matters here.

My best friend is a Christian, and she prays for me when I'm facing any issues or problems. I don't mind that - she does it because she genuinely believes it will help, but more importantly she's there with more practical help and support too. It sounds to me like your colleague is much the same.

What I do object to is people who say "I'll pray for you" but then don't do anything else.

This is a hard topic for me. Though I know there is no dog I allow other to believe what they want. If they offer good wishes to me I say thank you, What they are saying is I care about you and I hope all gets well with you. There is a time for religious conversation and there is a time for manners.

there was a time that it made me mad ... then uncomfortable ... and now just sad.

as for the prayer itself - does it help me? doubtful. but if done properly it may very well help the person praying. that's not to say they all do it properly. far from it. but it can be meditative and result in health benefits both mentally and physically.

so I just accept it for what it is - a nice, self-serving gesture on their part.

Many times it's sincere desire to help

I agree that judging someone because of their religious practices is not helpful.

I do not pray in the traditional way, as in pleading for favors from an objective god out there. However, I do engage in communion with the god within. The reason for that internal discussion is to gain peace and acceptance with respect to the world around me.

Good luck with your medical condition.