When thinking of what to say to someone who’s ill, you may worry about sounding disingenuous or saying something too common. For example, you may think, “praying you feel better soon” is overused, or just not quite what you want to say.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- How to Say ‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ in a Text or DM
- How to Say ‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ in a Social Media Post
- How to Say ‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ in a Professional Email to a Coworker or Client
- How to Say ‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ When You’re Face-to-Face
- ‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ Messages For Someone You Don’t Know
- ‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ Messages for a Close Friend
Below, we’ve described plenty of alternatives for a variety of situations and types of relationships. If all else fails, think to yourself about what you would want to hear from someone if you were ill or trying to recover — go with that. What would make you feel the most loved? What would make you feel seen?
How to Say ‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ in a Text or DM
Especially right now, face-to-face communication is scarce. Though video chats can help, they’re not quite the same. Plus, with hectic work and personal schedules, it may be hard to find the time to catch up with someone and say everything you want to. Here are some options for saying “praying you feel better soon” in a text or DM.
1. “I’ll be thinking of you as you heal!”
A message like this says almost the same thing as our objective in a different way. If you think the general spirit of “praying you feel better soon” is correct but too common, this is a good option.
2. “I love you! I hope you start to feel better soon!”
Again, this message says almost the same thing as our objective in a different way. It’s also never a bad thing to throw in an extra “I love you.” You never know how badly someone may need to hear it.
3. “I’m hoping you have a speedy recovery. Best wishes!”
This message is appropriate for someone you may not know as well. It’s still very positive without being overkill.
4. “All I want is for you to feel better, I care about you so much!”
Saying you really care about someone is one step below telling them that you love them. Whatever your reason may be, perhaps an “I love you” doesn’t seem right. This can still be impactful and conveys “you’re important to me.”
5. “I know you’ll be back on your feet soon, I’ll be thinking of you in the meantime.”
This is a caring yet platonic message to send someone during their recovery. Saying that you’re thinking of someone is also up to interpretation as well. It could be mean prayer or just thinking deeply about them and wishing them well.
How to Say ‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ in a Social Media Post
Social media is a tricky area, especially if your friend, loved one, or acquaintance is a bit private about their health. You may need to use some caution even when wishing someone well. If you feel like a post or a message isn’t enough, perhaps you’d like to send someone a get well soon gift, too. You can always write an additional message in a card.
6. “You’re so strong! All I want is for you to feel better soon. I know you will.”
Reminding someone of their strength during good or bad times is a great compliment.
7. “You’ll be on my mind and in my heart during your recovery! I love you!”
This is a very heartfelt thing to say (hence talking about your heart). Of course, be careful not to say anything you don’t mean. This wouldn’t be fair, especially when someone is under the weather.
8. “I know you can get through this, I pray it’s sooner than you think!”
This puts a very positive spin on a potentially negative situation. To some people, this could be exactly what they need to hear.
9. “If anyone can get through this, you can! You’ll be on my mind!”
This message is another way of expressing admiration for someone’s strength.
10. “You are my rock. Hoping you’ll feel better soon!”
This is a nice, simple caption that you can put with a photo of you and your loved one to highlight their healing journey.
How to Say ‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ in a Professional Email to a Coworker or Client
It’s understandable not to know what to say when someone in your professional circle is ill, especially if you don’t know them that well. It’s also one of those situations where you may be forced to say something, even if you don’t necessarily want to. But don’t worry, we’ve provided a few options.
11. “I hope you can take some time for yourself, you deserve it!”
This message is a way of wishing someone well without directly calling out their situation. You may not feel comfortable calling direct attention to someone’s illness or healing journey, and that’s totally fine. It’s also not a bad thing to remind someone of their worth, if even in a small way.
12. “Take care! I’m sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with this.”
A message like this would be acceptable for an acquaintance at work or even a client. You may know them well enough to be aware of their situation, but you may not feel comfortable enough initiating a long discussion. This message is a good option.
13. “I pray you’ll be on the mend soon!”
Even if you aren’t fully aware of someone else’s beliefs or the gravity of their illness, a message like this would still be appropriate. Perhaps you feel that “praying you feel better soon” is just too general, but still has the right tone overall.
14. “I’ll be thinking of you! I’m looking forward to seeing you around once you feel better!”
This message keeps the tone very light and positive. If the recipient of your message is lighthearted with you, then this would be a good option.
15. “You’ll be in my thoughts as you recover. Take care.”
This message is much more serious in tone. If the person you’re sending a message to is a serious person in general, illness wouldn’t be the right thing to make light of.
How to Say ‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ When You’re Face-to-Face
When you’re face-to-face, you may fear that you’ll say the wrong thing. While that’s possible in any of these situations, you shouldn’t worry. For example, it’s much easier to convey how you really feel and even be lighthearted or playful in person. Texting or other methods of communicating can leave a lot of emotion lost in translation.
16. “You take care of yourself and get better!”
In the wrong context or to the wrong person, this message may come across incorrectly. However, it’s a lighthearted way to tell someone what they likely know they have to do.
17. “I’ll be thinking of you often, I hope you feel better.”
As simple as this phrase is, the way you say it can make it that much more impactful.
18. “I hope you know I love you. You get better soon!”
Again, once you openly love someone, there’s no such thing as saying so too much. You can also get away with this type of “command” in person since it’s easier to read your playful tone.
19. “You rest up so you can feel better. I’ll be praying for you.”
You shouldn’t feel odd telling someone who’s just an acquaintance or even a stranger that you’re praying for them. If it feels right, say it — it can be a really important thing for them to hear.
20. “I hope you feel better soon — I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”
Though a commonly used phrase, sometimes it may feel right to tell someone you can’t imagine what they’re going through. It’s likely true, too, since everyone can be going through so many different things at once.
21. “I’ll be wishing for a quick recovery for you! Let me know if you need anything!”
You should refrain from telling someone to reach out to you if they need something unless you really mean it. Lending genuine help, however, can mean the world to someone during hard times.
‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ Messages For Someone You Don’t Know
We’ve all known someone just outside our circle who’s hurting. We want to reach out and wish him or her well, but it may feel odd to do so. What do you even say? Take a look at some suggestions for how to say “praying you feel better soon” to someone you don’t know.
22. “We don’t really know each other, but I want you to know I’m thinking of you. I hope you feel better soon!”
Using the language of “thinking of you” takes some of the pressure off this initial interaction. Perhaps you don’t prefer to use the term “praying” if you believe the recipient will prefer a variation of this sentiment better.
23. “I wanted to take a second to say I really hope you feel better soon. Hang in there!”
Responses like this come off friendly enough that the person will feel comfortable responding, but not feel too pressured to respond right away.
24. “Hi! Reaching out to say I’m praying for your recovery. You can do it!”
This response strikes a balance between friendly and nonchalant.
25. “I know we don’t know each other well, but I am still thinking of you often. I hope you feel better soon.”
A message like this may seem more serious and heartfelt than some other options. It’s okay to let someone know you care even if you don’t know each other well.
26. “I’ve been where you are, too. I just wanted to let you know you have many people in your corner. Take care!”
Letting people know they’re not alone — even if it may seem unnecessary — can be very impactful when they don’t feel well. This can also open up a line of support between the two of you.
27. “I hope I’m not overstepping by saying I’ve been thinking of you and hope you feel better soon. You’re honestly an inspiration.”
If you do feel odd telling someone you’re praying for them, it doesn’t hurt at all to be honest. They’ll appreciate your candor.
28. “You have friends all over the place praying for you. Stay strong. You can do it!”
It’s always nice to hear about friends in unexpected places, especially during low points in life.
‘Praying You Feel Better Soon’ Messages for a Close Friend
When a close friend becomes sick or hurt, you may feel all the more obligated to show up, especially if they’ve done the same for you.
That said, this dynamic may cause you to place unnecessary pressure on yourself to say the right thing. The messages below will help you. Use any of the following responses below if you can't come up with the right words on your own.
29. “You mean so much to me. If I could make this all go away, I would. I’m praying for you all the time.”
It’s terrible to see those closest to us hurting. Sometimes you can only remind them of the important role they play in our lives.
30. “I’m thinking of you, buddy. This is the worst not having you around all the time. Before you know it, I know you’ll be back in action.”
It’s always nice to keep messages of this nature forward-looking and positive. Keep it within reason, however.
31. “I really miss you. I hope you’re not feeling too bad and that you feel better soon. I’ll keep on praying, my friend!”
Letting people know how much we miss them is incredibly important, especially when they’re not feeling their best.
32. “I heard you were sick, but we’ve always known we’re both not quite right in the head. You take it easy, and I’m thinking of you. We need to get back to getting into trouble!”
You know your friend best. If you have a fun relationship full of lighthearted jabs, a message like this can work wonders.
33. “Did you know that your illness has been extremely inconvenient for me? Jokes aside, I love you and I really hope you feel better soon. I miss you.”
This message offers another way of saying, “I’m praying you feel better soon,” in a more comedic way.
34. “You’re so important to me and so many others. I know you’re struggling right now, but I know you’re strong enough to get through this, especially with my help. I'm praying for you to get better, dear friend.”
Never pass up an opportunity to tell someone how much you care, especially when they’re not feeling well.
35. “I’m praying so hard for you, friend. I pray that you’ll have peace. I pray that you know you’re not alone. I pray that you know your pain won’t be for nothing.”
The healing process can feel as painful as the illness or injury itself. Let your friend know that though they may have work ahead, it's a good thing.
Sometimes it's How You Say It
Sometimes it’s way less about what you say to someone and more about how you say it. If you really want to convey to someone that you want them to feel better soon, don’t stress! You’ll know what to say. Lean on Cake to help you with these answers and more, especially when you need to know what to say when someone dies unexpectedly.