Thoughts and Prayers

 When tragedy strikes, why do “thoughts and prayers’ seem so shallow for so many people?

We hear it all the time on the news from one horrible tragedy to another. Our prayers can seem to go unheard, and our “thoughts”, well, what do they accomplish? Is this just a meaningless platitude, or do our thoughts and prayers actually make a difference?

I think what makes the distinction between “thoughts and prayers” as a meaningless platitude or as a heartfelt statement of both action and empathy is whether or not the person who offers them actually also does them out of the spotlight, when no else but God is listening, not to mention actually following through with their promise during the crisis.

But if they are one who never prays, then to suddenly get the religion of thoughts and prayers during a time of need has much the same effect as taking the Lord’s name in vain during a time of exasperation or frustration. The hypocrisy of our words and inaction seems to overshadow any blessing we might intend.

Maybe this is one important reason why Jesus taught us to pray privately to our Heavenly Father, and why Paul counseled Christians to “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks…” With our thoughts full of gratitude and prayer on our lips at all times as a continual extension of our relationship with God, we won’t be likely to feel like such hypocrites in times of tragedy.

But who can pray “continually”? Isn’t that just for cloistered monks or full-time clergy? What about the rest of us?

I thought about this after a coffee-shop outreach conversation with a young man named Gearge, who told me about his long-time “mentor” who had recently passed away. He described this man as a “jack of all trades” – not a professional minister or clergy. In fact, their relationship had started with this man as his personal trainer, and although he was described as a spiritual mentor, this older man had never really discussed religion or asked George about his beliefs.

How then did George know of his religious convictions? George told how his mentor would say grace before meals, which impacted him greatly. They would also go to meditate at a Catholic service of adoration some Friday afternoons. This was about the extent of their spiritual relationship, but it was enough for George to think of him as his mentor. This was a man whom George would have great respect for if he mentioned “thoughts and prayers” in a time of crisis.

I think our mandate to pray continually as Christians is meant to come from relationship, not religion; from an on-going awareness of continually being in God’s presence that more naturally results in prayer both in times of peace and well-being, as well as in times of great strife and even tragedy. As part of a life and attitude of continual prayer, our “thoughts and prayers” can and should make a difference!

Thanks, George, for allowing me to record our conversation! It can be seen at https://youtu.be/x14chOIwR2g on my YouTube channel.