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Having Surgery - How to reply (or should I) to "I'll pray for you"?

I'm having a hip replaced on 12/4. Everyone who finds out I'm having surgery seems to think it's necessary to offer me their prayers. I don't feel comfortable saying "thank you" for what I think is a total waste of time, but I don't want to just not acknowledge what they think is a good thing.

Any suggestions? Should I just let it pass, or should I respond in some way. A lot of these people are just acquaintences and probably don't realize they've never seen me in church!

I live in a small town and work for Mormans so I have to be a little careful with making my beliefs, or lack there of, known.

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Patrick F on December 1, 2012 at 10:30am

How about "thanks for your thoughts"?

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Permalink Reply by Kelly on December 3, 2012 at 4:29pm

Thank you all for your ideas! My favorite was from Chris Ruegg! I would love to say "Oh, NO! You don't think I'm gonna make it!" but I think I better stay with "thanks".

Thank you all, you brightened my days over the past couple weeks.

Kelly

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Permalink Reply by Michael Brice on December 3, 2012 at 5:23pm

Me, (to an aquiantance): "Sorry, busy that day, can't make it."

Aquaintance: "What are you doing?"

Me: "Getting surgery."

Aq: "I'll pray for you."

Me: "Really? I won't!"

Silence, strange facial expressions, brief goodbye.

Funny, they didn't ask what the surgery was, or even how I was. I think my surgeon is a christian, I was tempted to tell them I was an atheist but they could pray for my christian surgeon not to fuck it up.

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Permalink Reply by Kelly on December 3, 2012 at 5:38pm

My daughter refers to that look as CBF. (Cat Butt Face)

Don't you feel like they just want to make sure you know they pray. Kind of jumping up and down and yelling "Pick me, Pick me!" response. As in what you are going through is of no importance as long as they get to tell someone that they are a prayer.

This time I think my surgeon is an atheist, too. Much more comfortable with an actual man of science!

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Permalink Reply by booklover on December 3, 2012 at 6:05pm

How about saying something along the lines of if they really want to help you, you'll be laid-up for a while and could use something practical, like housework, yard-work, meals... :)

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Permalink Reply by Melani on December 3, 2012 at 7:09pm

I just thank people who say they're going to pray for me. I figure it means they wish me well.

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Permalink Reply by TNT666 on December 19, 2012 at 4:37pm

Just say: Please don't!

Come and visit and bring treats and reading instead. :)
That it, if you actually want those religious freaks to visit you in hospital.

I once had a nurse banned from entering my hospital room because she spouted religious god stuff at me. grrr.

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Permalink Reply by Ceil on December 19, 2012 at 5:29pm

I'd just smile and say, "I appreciate that you'll be thinking of me." But if you do fear for your job, you might just say, "thank you".

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Permalink Reply by James Kz on December 20, 2012 at 5:10am

"You don't think the surgeon knows his stuff?"

"I will be laid up for awhile and could use help more than prayer."

"Instead of praying for my recovery, pray my insurance will cover the bill."

Or less sarcastic:

"Thank you for thinking of me."

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Permalink Reply by Ceil on December 28, 2012 at 8:02pm

Hey, did you write for advice to "Dear Abby"? Look for her column today as it's a similar question! I think many should reply to her as she states: "And most people battling a serious illness welcome a "blast of positivity," whether it is couched in religious terms or not."