It's not a thing that bothers me, provided prayer is not used to replace more practical assistance that would have a more positive influence on the given situation.

For example, if someone were to say they'd pray for me to be offered a better job, I'd just say thanks even though I know their prayer won't make the slightest bit of difference. If however, someone claims to pray for the homeless, I'd suggest that they perhaps donated money to homeless charities or volunteer at a shelter as well as praying, and point out that not doing so makes their prayers look rather meaningless.

I don’t pray, however I do meditate and contemplate, which are a sort of communion with ones self and potentially with universal consciousness if such there be. For that reason I would not be offended in the least by someone offering to pray for me.

If they are just trying to irritate you, take a second or two to see it for what it is. You could say nothing, or something trivial and non-confrontational. My favorite is “Perhaps you’re right”. If they see that you are not flustered they’ll leave you alone.

Of course there’s that third option that I mentioned before. Hit’em upside the head with a baseball bat. That’ll teach’em to keep their damned mouths shut.

Very happy that they feel moved enough to do what they consider to be a kindly act.

one from tv - I don't know the show, never watched it, but sheldon said 'and I will think for you'

Instead of praying for me how about thinking good thoughts about me instead.

It makes me realise that this person actually believes that I DESERVE to burn in hell, because their foul deity is a capricious petty and jealous infant... and that I don't want to know such an immoral person anymore.

I usually respond with thanks I'll think for you too with a fat smile on my face.

I don't have a problem with it. Their intentions are good and it doesn't hurt me in the slightest.

It makes a difference if the person is sincere.

I'll put in a good word to satan for ya...so lets just call it even, shall we?

I tend to believe that there is little else more evil than religion. And I try to not encourage it in any way....I do not believe that people are inherently evil......and I try to allow everyone the right to be wrong...and allow that some are mis-led into thinking they are wishing well, when not realizing that the way they are doing it is nonsense....and I will give them that its the thought that counts.....

I think when they say that knowing you're an atheist, they're trying to trigger you. In my opinion, it's the same thing as saying, fuck you to them, knowing that they're Christian. Just like for example, when they know someone's an atheist at a dinner get together like thanksgiving, they'll make a super big deal more than usual about praying before the meal. They think it's their right to rub salt in a wound, so to speak. It's a real shitty way to be with another person.

They are being condescending and douche-y.

They are attempting to be kind here no condensation

I pass it off, if it is someone that know I don't believe, I'll tell them money helps more.