When people say that they're "praying for you..."

[Smid]

I used to feel grateful and a little touched.. now I almost feel insulted. It strikes me as a completely worthless notion. Like they couldn't be bothered trying to actively console you or be helpful at all, they'll just be praying for you. I suppose maybe I'm bitter.

Sometimes that's really all I can do for someone. If you had a problem that you mentioned to us on here, I'd pray for you and I'd let you know I was doing so, but I doubt you'd want to call me up or email me to talk it out. There'd be a limit on what I could do for you in a practical sense, and sometimes praying for you is all I can actually do.

That said, last night I had a mate who was having a rough time (interstate), and I sent him a message saying that if he wanted to call, he should do so and that it didn't matter what time and he shouldn't think twice about waking me if he needs to talk. Then I slept with the phone by my bed. It's not that I can't be bothered consoling someone if they need it and if it's something I can actually do, it's just that sometimes praying for someone is all I can do for them.

[Smid]

I think JSojourner hit it right on the head.   It's all about context.

In a positive context it's no worse than being told that someone cares, or hopes things turn out alright, or sends 'good vibes'.  Hey - may the force be with you.  Can't hurt, so no problem.

In a negative, it's about the same as an explicative.  (I suppose people who use it that way could be considered to be using the Lord's name in vain).   I get that some from a local cultlike group which solicits funds right by the exit of various grocery store.  The phrase "no thanks" often gets responded to with a really sarcastic "God bless you".

I think the question is - is it edifying to the person for you to tell them? A sincere prayer may be a way of caring for someone, but sometimes it's more caring to pray quietly for them without telling them that's what you're doing. Of course, there are times when someone's going through a rough patch, that it might help them to know that you're thinking of them and praying for them. It's a matter of context, not just the reason you prayed for them, but also how they will feel about that.