Via email, I just read some bad news about an acquaintance, and remembered something I’ve learned, but have to remind myself of again and again :
If I say (and mean) “I’ll pray for you,” I’m likely to forget, in which case my statement will become nothing more than a social nicety. When news like this comes along I’ve been working to remind myself to pray in that moment. There’s no need to make a public show. Perhaps it’s better if no one else knows at all. But do it right now.
Then, if you want, say “I’ll pray for you.”