Maybe I missed it but I don’t see where they asked for a response. I don’t respond.

When most people are faced with their mortality the have a need to rationalize there is a higher power that can help solve all problems. Been through this personally and just tell a white lie that I'm praying for the sick person. Already a lot of emotions running high, I don't see how starting a religious arguement is a smart thing considering the circumstances

I'd probably just respond with "good luck". He's already doing the sensible thing. He went to the doctor instead of a minister which shows he doesn't believe prayer will fix what is wrong with him.

I “ wish “ and “ hope”...

If I like or care about the person, I say thank you and let it go, after weighing the situation and if any positive conversation can be had I might ask them which god they are praying too... if I don't know them or like them I will say something like thanks I'll think for you.

I say I'm sending you good energy and you will be in my thoughts

The great sky monster demands a sacrifice!

I respond with "He will be in my thoughts."

I usually say "healing thoughts coming your way" and "good juju".

All of my best thoughts and wishes are headed your way.

I ignore the prayer part. It's not the time to make a stink. Say that you are sorry about the health issues. You hope for the best for them. They are in your thoughts.

I really don’t understand why this is considered “silly request” by some. It’s ok if they want to believe in something, just like it’s ok for us to not to believe.

I’d say “I’ll keep you in my thoughts and please let me know if there’s anything I can do. I’m here for you and Chris, love you both” if I had a family/siblings. I hope Chris will get well soon!

And to anyone else... Just because we are different shouldn’t mean we should turn our back to each other’s that don’t think like us. And this is not straight to you Shelton - I read your additional comments and keep it your way... but some of the comments here... smh... really people? Is being an asshole to someone when they most need love and support taught by your family or is it just in your nature? Yeah we don’t believe in the same thing but rubbing it in someone’s face when they’re mentally/emotionally broken is just straight assholism.

Nobody in my family would make such a silly request.

Respond the same way you would if she had left the 'pray' sentence out.

I would say I will be holding you close in my heart.

I would just respond that "I'm thinking of you in this difficult time".

For me, if faced with this, the reply would be 'He's in my thoughts'. It shows I care and it isn't confrontational in any way

If someone's loved one is extremely ill or in a dire situation I am most likely to just nod my head or maybe even say "sure". That doesn't seem to be a good time for a productive discussion that includes a debate on God or religion. If someone is scared to death a loved one may perish the debate can wait.

If she knows you don't believe then she is probably not thinking straight. If she doesn’t then it’s not really the right time to tell her, just let her think you have.

Kind of a dick-ish moved to point out at this point, when she is so frightened for her husband, that you don’t pray, so “keeping you both in my thoughts” is both kind and honest.

Why do you have to respond at all to a group text?

Very sorry to hear that but I'm glad they are getting it treated and have loved ones like you to watch over them. If you need to talk or PM me!

I would either not respond or say that I will keep them in my thoughts.

Something like sending him you best wishes

I do not respond. They were not requesting a response.