I had a friend of 50 years that died last month. Almost every time we visited she said I know you're an atheist but I know you're a good person and I pray for you every night when I go to bed. We both knew we couldn't change each other and there were so many other good things about our friendship.

Nice move by your sister.

I have an aunt, whom i absolutely adore, and even though she knows I'm an atheist, she still asks me to pray for this, that, and the other thing.
I generally just go along with her. There is nothing to be gained from disagreeing with her.

It doesn't change who I am, and she's worth it to me.

My mother is an 89 year old devout Christian. I have never and will never express my disbelief to her.
I'm comfortable with her praying for me.
That was a wise move your sister made.

Wow good for you

That's why I have 2 FB pages... one for some of my family and some friends and one for my atheist and political friends. So much easier.

OOOOOPS! Embarrassing, yes? (I can't wait for Christmas!)

I had family that I would humor so they could be comfortable in their delusions.
My Grandmother for example who died convinced that fire came from a substance called phlogiston.

The phlogiston theory is a superseded scientific theory that postulated the existence of a fire-like element called phlogiston (/flɒˈdʒɪstən, floʊ-, -ɒn/) is contained within combustible bodies and released during combustion.

Phlogiston was disproved in the 1830s.
I guess news traveled slowly in the old south.

All those ancient relatives are dead now.
As for the rest I have no reason to be less than blunt about anything.

I get it. I have kept my atheism hidden from my parents.

I thought about tryign to change my parents beliefs whiel they were alive. I concluded that if I succeeded they would probably be very depressed, and if I didn't succeed, then it woudl drive a wedge between us.

I know that you will not give her the idea that there will be any more grief on earth about this, but that she can continue to sort it out in heaven. Perhaps put in a word about your persistent good deeds.
It is not abuse to use someone's fantasy.

I’m glad that your sister managed to calm things somewhat. Hopefully your mum will be ok and your relationship will endure this. Best wishes.

I doubt you will change her at 93. In fact, I often believe that one of my religious friends is still a believer in loyalty to his beloved grandparents who meant so much to him. They are in heaven but where would they be if he stopped believing?

She loves you and cares about you. That doesn't mean she's perfect. Cherish the fact that you still have her. You are fortunate.

Shit like that happens. My mom is 94 and I disappoint her about my lack of religion ( we've never used the "A" word) and the fact that my kids never go to church.