A friend strengthens you with prayer

Whenever I call friends or meet them, while parting I always say, “I will keep you in my thoughts.” I feel as though the energy I use to really keep them in my thoughts is really all they want anyway. I will avoid theological discussion in such situations and just “Keep them in my thoughts” and actually do think about them, I mean if they are really your friends I am sure you will naturally think about them. It is very reassuring telling them that they are in your thoughts, that you wish them the best outcome possible in their situation, and that you are willing to help them (but only if you actually are) in any practical way you can. That's worth a lot to anyone of any belief system.

Although I didn’t pray for many years as I totally lost my trust and faith in God, I didn’t believe he was there for me and that he just sat back and watched me get screwed over. But now I understand why things happened the way they did in my life, my connection to God and the universe as a whole has strengthened. But before I got to this point I would send them positive/healing/loving energy from my heart to there’s and set the intentions that whatever it was be healed/resolved. Because at the end of the day all the person is ask for is to loan you a bit of love and good intentions.

However, did they ask you specifically or did they ask the question among friends? If it wasn't directed towards you, and if you aren't expected to stand up in front of everyone and deliver your prayer, then just keep quiet. No need to make a scene where there was none, or where they did not know that you are an atheist.. They're not demanding prayer, they asked for them. If however you're put in a position where you either have to pray with them or not, then you can simply inform them that you're an atheist, and therefore you wish them well, but would like to be excused from the 'prayer group'.

My friends now understand my position as an atheist, and therefore won't request such things from me. I think the key here is for your friends to know that you are an atheist just like you know they are Christians. ?“I’m praying for you!” saying in public and on social media platforms like Facebook. First of all, they’re almost more than likely not. I know there’s exceptions to this but I think it’s much easier for people to say in a comment it on someone’s newsfeed than it is for them to actually go home and get on their knees and take time out of their day to Actually pray for someone.

So instead of being one of those people, who even if they did say a prayer still aren’t actually doing anything, I try to go out of my way to DO something for this person. And if you can’t tell already, but I do believe that the things you do and the kindness you show comes back to you. Is one of your friends having a hard time? Buy their lunch. Call them just to talk. If they have a lot on their plate that day, ask to pick their kid up from school for them or cook them dinner. Just be there for them. Put together a self care kit (bubble bath, a candle, tissues, a DVD, and some snacks). These are actual acts to show someone you care and are thinking of them, and you genuinely want to help. Cheers!