I can understand the awkwardness you face selby. I am not sure that I am a true atheist, but I did always feel a little embarrassed about being asked to show deference to "God". In my heart I have always felt that "God" was a made up entity, which some people believe in because they really want "Him" to be there. On the one hand I have no desire to behave insensitively to their feelings. Their sincerity about wanting "Him" to exist is indisputable and I have no interest in insulting them for something they so willingly believe.
For myself, I have always felt a bit of a fool pretending to talk to someone whom I do not believe exists. To my way of thinking, it is no more respectful to feign belief - even if it is at the risk of giving offence.