I'd tell her yes then not do it.

Yes most time its a plea for help ..Not a reglious one.

Apparently she believes you are still religious? So I'd go with the flow and not cause more stress.

"I'm here for you if you need me"

I get that a lot I tell them my thoughts are with them. I know thoughts are as useless as prayers but it seems to make them feel better.

I'd tell her what she wants to hear, just to make her feel better, the do what you can by conventional means.

The truth is that while there isn't proof that prayer works directly, there IS proof of the placebo effect, and just the comfort of thinking that someone might be trying to do some imaginary thought work could be enough to help her legitimately take a turn for the better, physically, emotionally, and otherwise.

In that spirit, DO offer that comfort, for her sake. What have you got to lose? A single breath, uttering words like "I'll keep you in my thoughts. I hope all this gets better, soon," might just work.

If it makes her feel good to hear you say you will, id tell her I will or have as she needed to hear.
That's not in anyway betraying your beliefs but comforting a friend.

How about if I take you to (lunch, shopping, a movie...)
How about if I cook a few things for you?
How about if I run a few errands for you?
Etc.
SO much more helpful than talking to the non-existent!

I have been in this situation before, and I usually just tell the person that I will. If it makes them feel better to think that I am praying for them, then so be it.

You are in my thoughts

tell her that you think about her all the time and that you are there fot her to talk to for emotionsl support.

Just make it what she want.. Not beacouse u belive or not.. just because she its impirtenant for you..!

While I don't believe in prayer per se, I do believe that sending positive thoughts cannot hurt.

I would have lied and said I would.