Thoughts and Prayers

Thoughts and Prayers

 

            Unfortunately these days, it's no surprise that there are a lot of terrible things going on all over the world. Bombings, shootings, natural disasters, the list goes on and on. As these tragedies become more frequent, we start to distance ourselves from them. Not to say that we don't care, as a matter of fact, the most common way for people to show their long-distance concern is by saying, or in most cases typing, the phrase "thoughts and prayers." It sums up the idea nicely. I'm not one to post this on my social media, but I do tell my friends "I'll be praying for you" when I want them to know I'm thinking about them. However, with the world becoming more digital it also becomes less personal; with every bad thing that happens the phrase "thoughts and prayers" appears more like a meaningless ban-aid response. Most people at this point would probably want to do away with the phrase because this response doesn't change the situation or help anyone. I agree with this sentiment to an extent. Posting "thoughts and prayers" on your Facebook wall after a tragedy, while acknowledging that something happened, gives off the feeling that they're just empty words. When people think like this they cheapen the meaning of prayer and the importance and power of it. A prayer is a powerful tool that we have as believers in God. Yes, you should help those in need, assist a neighbor during a hard time or donate to a company providing in crisis if possible. However, that shouldn't stop you from praying. In some rare cases, that really is the best you can do.

            The other day I was talking to my friend Kay about a mutual friend. We both knew she was going through a hard time. I told Kay how the distance I was from her was the biggest problem for me. I was definitely praying for her, however, I wished I could do more. I wished I could be there for her and help if anyway I could. Kay responded by telling me something very humbling. The mindset of praying but "wanting to do more' is belittling to prayer and God.  A prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to connect to and communicate with God. As Christians, we know that God is capable of answering prayer and providing more comfort and aid than we ever can. If we neglect the idea of prayer, we are overlooking what God can do, basically writing Him out of the equation. Prayer is an important part of the process when a crisis happens. We should our lift our voices to the Lord because our help, the best we can offer, comes from Him. I also believe that there are still some things we can do.

Don't use prayer as an excuse to sit on your hands. Yes, prayer is important and God is able to work in any situation. At the same time, we are called to help one another. When a crisis hits, we should go volunteer to help those in need. We should support each other through hard times. We can clean up a torn apart neighborhood. We can house those displaced from their homes. Even giving money to organizations is a good way to help and show the love of God in our actions. There is a balance in praying for those who are going through hard times and lending a hand. The Lord will hear and honor your prayers, and as His children and representatives, we can help in whatever way we can. Don't feel bad about offering your thoughts and prayers, but don't be afraid to take some action as well.