may i ask whether you also feel that you're in some way failing if you don't think good thoughts for somebody? knowing myself, i would fall into that trap pretty immediately. if thought were power, i'd feel like i should be thinking good thoughts all day long because there are so many causes that could use more positive energy being directed at them.

I'm also someone who is really uncomfortable with praying for people far away, just apart from being atheist. Rationally, it's because I can't see how it could work, and emotionally, I think the above is a major part - I would be guilt tripping myself and feeling totally miserable in no time flat.