For instance, I have heard things along the following lines: “I hope my son gets better.” “Well, that’s not in your hands, that’s in God’s hands.” All this said quite matter-of-factly.
I do not think this is the best example you could have given, because it can be interpreted—and often is meant as—just a version of the Serenity Prayer.
Much worse is when people promise to pray for you, or advise you to pray, as though this will improve the chances of everything turning out OK. In these cases, I try to just focus on their good intentions; that they will pray for me because they do care. However, sometimes I really do get quite upset with having to pretend that I’m grateful for and satisfied with their prayers when perhaps I would like more sympathy and emotional support or pragmatic help.
I do not think this is the best example you could have given, because it can be interpreted—and often is meant as—just a version of the Serenity Prayer.
Much worse is when people promise to pray for you, or advise you to pray, as though this will improve the chances of everything turning out OK. In these cases, I try to just focus on their good intentions; that they will pray for me because they do care. However, sometimes I really do get quite upset with having to pretend that I’m grateful for and satisfied with their prayers when perhaps I would like more sympathy and emotional support or pragmatic help.