When things get tough or something goes wrong, the go-to line for a lot of people is, "I'll pray for you." I've seen many people get offended by being offered this consolation. If you took the time to truly understand what I mean when I tell you that you are in my prayers, I think that offense would turn into gratitude.

When I say, "I'm praying for you," I don't mean it as a way to try to convert you to my religion. I'm not trying to push my spiritual beliefs onto you. I'm not trying to condemn you for not sharing my same religion. I'm trying to help you. In a situation where I feel I am not in control, I turn to the One who is in control in my life. In my heart, God is my guidance and He is my refuge. So by praying for you, I am calling upon the greatest power that exists in my life.

I have seen God's work firsthand, as so many others have. I prayed for my mother when she was sick. I prayed for both grandfathers as they underwent heart surgery. I prayed for my father the day he got picked up in an ambulance from our home. I pray for both of my sisters every single day that I am not with them. I trust God with everything I have. I put the most important people that life has given me in God's hands to hold when I can't be there to hold them myself. So when I say "I'm praying for you," I am putting you on that list of the most important things in my life.

I am by no means a perfect person, nor do I try to portray myself as such. I call upon God because of the fact that I am so imperfect. I don't have all of the answers. But I know in my heart, God does. I pray for people because I am powerless to the situations that life puts us in. He has gotten me through the best and worst parts of my life so I know that He provides for His people.

When I say, "I'm praying for you," I don't take it lightly. My faith is one of the most serious aspects of my soul and I truly care for those in my prayers. And it's fine if you don't believe in my God. It's fine if you believe in a different God or don't believe in any God at all. I place no judgement on the source of your peace and healing. So don't place judgement on me when I call upon the highest power in my heart and soul to help you.

When I say, "I'm praying for you," don't assume I am trying to tell you not to seek help elsewhere. I believe in modern medicine. I believe in psychiatric help and medication. I believe in the advancements and professions that God has offered this world to help the people who need them.

If someone says they are praying for you, regardless of what the situation pertains to, accept the gesture. You don't need to share the same beliefs or faith. Let that person help you in the only way they know how. When I hit rock bottom, I fell to my knees and asked for God's help. He picked me up and got me to where I am right now, so if there's any way I can help God pick someone else up in the same way, I promise you I will do it. So I will pray for you. I don't think I would have survived to this point in my life without having others pray for me. I thank God for those people who think I am important enough to lift my name to Him and ask Him to help me and to guide me.

Just try to realize that prayer is my refuge. And if you are in my prayers, you're in my heart. And that means you're really special to me.