My mum has metastasised breast cancer, which is also in the liver.  I don't think I need to say that it's serious - but the treatment seems to be going well and  we're all hoping against hope that it can be beat.

My question is - have any other atheists come up against the issue of religious people praying for them?

My mum hates this, nearly as much as she hates people telling her that all she needs is a positive outlook to beat cancer. 

I also have a friend who's mother prays for him, as he has a dropout lifestyle (which he's perfectly happy with, but his mother worries about) - he claims he knows when she's doing it as it gives him a headache.  ;)

What do you say when people offer to pray for you?  Is it harder to tell people not to do this if you are ill and looking for any glimmer of 'luck' and hope?

I'd be interested in your thoughts.