If I am ill or going through hard times then I definitely appreciate the thought. But if I say I support LGBT rights and I get the "pray" response I tend to be a little more savage with my response. Depends on what the gesture implies.

All positive thoughts are welcome.

I tell them they can pray all they want but praying to their imaginary sky daddy isn't going to do anything and I didn't need no help from a non-existent being. That is if they are being rude or smartasses about it or something. Like "Oh, you are such a troubled person for thinking this. I will pray for you". But if an argument didn't occur for them to say that, and they are saying it to be nice because something bad happens, I'll either say it's not needed but thanks, or just say thanks.

My most genuine response is a HUGE eyeroll. However, sometimes the person is not someone I would offend. In those cases I meekly thank them and change the topic.

I thank them for their well wishes, it would be rude to chastise someone for expressing care for me. Now if they offer to pray for my soul that is an entirely different situation, that does not mean me well at all it is in fact criticism of my action or myself and they can expect to be rebuked for their rudeness.

If in public, I would not make an issue of it. But in private, I would just say you are not religious but very grateful for their concern and empathy.

I usually respond with a smile and a thankyou

I just consider it an act of compassion and thank them. There may be some situations where I would protest, but I’m not sure what that would be at the moment.

I'll reason for you. The real miracles come by the thousands every year down the street at the Hospital.

I just say "Thank you, but you can just give me a hug instead."

Politely say thank you.

I also express appreciation for their concern.

Me: How much will that cost?
Them: Nothing
Me: So how's your whole Friday looking?

I usually say thanks but have told somebody to pray for themselves and not me.

It is more about them than me. So if they say they pray for me I just politely say: "Thanks." If it makes them happy, or they feel it helps, let them do whatever. Now, if they ask me to go down on my knees and pray with them, that's a totally different story.

I'd say it depends on their intentions. If I just had something tragic happen in my life and someone says that while meaning well, I thank them and let it go.

Depending on the context. Sometimes a a random unknowing person says itand I agree. However when others who know I'm not religious do it I take it out spite and usually my backlash is fairly violative.

Depends on the person....some people say it and they are overall harmless, so maybe thank them?

But some ppl do it trying to get a reaction out of me....then, we shall see

Yeah I just say thank you. and keep it moving.

Say thank you and move on. Most don't mean any harm by it and if they do, it's their time to waste.

Usually with a snicker and a shake of my head as I walk away. A few times I said "Don't go to any trouble." Most then said something along the line of "Oh it's no trouble." I'll follow with an emphatic "I know! Why don't you actually do something?" At that point I'd be willing to bet the prayer changed dramatically.

After the initial cringe, I ask them if they would mind mowing my yard instead so I can see God's will be done in real time.....lol

I don't say anything. It makes me a bit uncomfortable but I know that is a common reaction.

If they're trying to be kind then I just say thank you.

If they're trying to be condescending or give a backhanded insult (usually about my lifestyle) then I tell them that unless they're without sin themselves they shouldn't be casting any stones so they can shove their prayers up their ass.

I usually thank them, but make sure they understand I do not believe in prayers, especially in someone else praying for me. As for praying in general, I tend to believe that, if kept private, it leads to self-inspection, self-encouragement, and a personal mantra that helps people (of all religions) regain their selfonfidence and do achieve their personal goals.