I guess the thing that strikes me is I see it many times, and in many of the cases the worst case scenario comes about. People then offer prayers for the family in their time of loss... I wonder why they think the second prayer will carry more weight than the first prayer. More specifically, rather than the people count up the times that happened and realize it is just a mind game, and prayers don't have an impact, they just forget the unanswered prayers and continue with the game.
I don't find a request for "thoughts and prayers" offensive
†. I tend to read "please keep us in your thoughts" or "please pray for my sick child" as "Going through a hard time. I don't know what, if anything, you can do, but
please do something. Anything. I need help." It may not be the kind of thing I'd ask for, but it's certainly the kind of request I can
understand at a very raw, emotional level.
To me, the problem isn't
† people asking for "thoughts and prayers". Rather, the problem is when "thoughts and prayers" becomes an empty phrase; a standardized thought-ending cliche in response to just about anything.
Got recently diagnosed with cancer and have months to live? Thoughts and prayers are coming your way from people that have never thought of you before and, likely, never will again.
Crazy person shoots up your kid at school? Thoughts and prayers are coming your way from people that would probably never know your kid from an electric pole.
Having suicidal thoughts? Thoughts and prayers are coming your way from people that don't want to hang out with you because you're a stick in the mud.
In other words "I acknowledge you. Now won't you please go fuck yourself?"
† Within reason, of course! If an alcoholic is waiting for a liver transplant and says "I'm shit-faced drunk and going crazy waiting for a new liver. Please pray for me!" I'm not very sympathetic.