I'll Pray for You.

. . Ever time I see where someone has purchased a Catholic Mass card or some religious prayer card, it reminds me of the purchase indulgences that offended Martin Luther. Although the purchaser's intentions may be admirable, the gesture seems disingenuous and a waste of resource.  In the case of illness wouldn't be better to do something to help the invalid or to eradicate the reason for his or her illness?  How do you gracefully redirect the positive wishes without offending?
. . For example in a recent Humanist article the question was posed. 

My Father is Sick, and Everyone Wants to Pray for Him. How Should I Respond?

Click here for the suggestion.