"Damn that sucks"

Prayer, at least in lieu of actual help is simply that. So, the atheist alternative would be to do nice things like visit a sick person in the hospital when you have time. Bringing someone a glass of water is better than a prayer.

I usually say I'm so sorry, and add that I'm sending positive thoughts.
So far, nobody has called me on it, because, technically, prayer and positive thoughts are the same thing..imagining a better outcome.

You are in my thoughts

May you have peace in your healing. I hope he has comfort during this time. I sorrow for you, may you all be strong and healing come soon. There are all kinds of compassionate statements that aren't religious. Just think of the different things the sufferer may be going through and give hope or offer help.

I would think something like " is there any way I can help please let me know." I would love someone tell me that instead of the believer equivalent to " I will think of you" ( but never actually do any )

How about "How can I help you"

I usually say my thoughts are with you, if there's anything I can do to help, let me know.

I wish you the very best or my thoughts are with you.

How about, I feel empathy for you and am willing to help you however I can.

"Thanks, I need the prayers, you need the practice"

What can I do to help?

Here is my number, you can reach me anytime. Give me your number so we can talk and you can tell me your specific needs so I can help.

I hear that often. I say 'thank you'. It is their cultural sentiment, which counts. Though if it came from me, my insult would be to say 'sending thought's and prayers' (in other words, screw you) LOL.

“Thinking of you”

"I'll think for you."

I hope things get better for you soon. Is there anything I can do for you?

I offer concrete ideas if possible: rides, cooking, child/ dog sitting, whatever. I feel when a person is stressed they may easily overlook the obvious things that might help. But I if they ask for prayers,

1. Someone else will no doubt step right up to do that useless thing,
2. I will gently say I do not have much faith in that...how about a nice casserole?

Christian: I'll pray for you.

Ben: I'll think for you.

May the odds be ever in your favor? I was always kind of enameled with the Hunger Games sort of catch-all phrase

Ask them if there's anything you can do to help. Buy them coffee if they're down or lonely.

I'll help you.

I use the phrase "I'll send healing thoughts and energy." It's the closest I can come to I'll pray for you with any degree of sincerity.

I always ask what I can do such as cooking, cleaning, laundry. I then follow up with a call or stop at the grocery to pick up staples such as milk, eggs, etc. I am currently checking in on two older ladies in my area and I have taken care of pets if there is an emergency or they need to go to the hospital. You don't have to be religious to try and make a positive difference in the world. If they don't want that type of help, I just tell them I am thinking of them and am here to help if they need it. leaving the option of help up to them.

I'll keep you in my thoughts/heart.