I just see it
as their way of showing compassion or concern. I'm a confirmed atheist, but I find it slightly reassuring when people have said it to me. The act of praying may be meaningless to me, but not to them. I've a friend who's an anglican priest and he's just about the only religious friend who doesn't say it to me. He shows compassion by bringing round a decent bottle of red wine.
( SteamedCleaner, Sun 3 Apr 2011, 13:21, 1 reply)

that's my point
praying does nothing except make them feel better.
( Smash Monkey lowering the tone of the whole internet, Sun 3 Apr 2011, 14:22, closed)

But isn't that the same with all acts of compassion? Whether it be taking a meal round to an ill neighbour or shoving a couple of quid in a charity collection tin, it could all be said to be down to selfishness rather than selflessness.
( SteamedCleaner, Mon 4 Apr 2011, 0:04, closed)

no
because, selfish or not, a meal taken to a neighbour or a couple of quid in a charit tin is something tangible, something that will actually help.
( Smash Monkey lowering the tone of the whole internet, Mon 4 Apr 2011, 15:47, closed)