Transcript

Edmund: In times of tragedy and uncertainty, people often turn to prayer. And if you scrolled through social media on the day of a tragedy, you might see people using the phrase ‘thoughts and prayers.” But what does that even mean? Does sending ‘thoughts and prayers’ make a difference?

This phrase expresses sympathy, support, or solidarity with those affected by a crisis. People post or say this phrase in response to natural disasters, mass shootings, or personal hardships. The phrase implies that the person is offering his or her concern and spiritual considerations to those affected by a tragedy. But it’s not always received well by everyone.

For example, after national tragedies or devastating natural disasters, political leaders often express condolences and support to the victims and their families with this phrase:

“Thoughts and prayers.” 

And this phrase has been subject to criticism and debate, particularly when it’s perceived as a substitute for tangible action or change. Critics argue that simply offering thoughts and prayers without concrete efforts to address underlying issues or provide practical assistance is insincere or insufficient, especially in contexts where immediate action or policy change is needed.

In 2023, various politicians and public figures extended their “thoughts and prayers” during significant natural disasters. After devastating floods in Pakistan, global leaders—including those from neighboring countries—expressed their condolences and solidarity through official statements and social media posts.

Following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on March 11, 2011, prayers were offered not just by religious leaders but also by politicians and aid organizations, emphasizing compassion and support for the victims.

After the Maui wildfires in August 2023, former President Barack Obama expressed that his “thoughts and prayers” were with the families affected, but he also emphasized that this was not enough and urged for tangible support and donations to help the victims rebuild.

Many social media users have expressed frustration with the phrase “thoughts and prayers” becoming a repetitive and seemingly ineffective response to tragedies. Memes and hashtags like #ThoughtsAndPrayersAreNotEnough have circulated to critique the perceived lack of real action.

During the public health crises of the COVID-19 pandemic, some criticized leaders who offered “thoughts and prayers” instead of providing robust healthcare infrastructure, resources for frontline workers, and effective public health policies.

So, what should we make of this phrase? Even though it is well-intentioned, it really comes down to what we mean by “prayer.” So, what is prayer?

If by prayer we just mean saying some words into the air without any intentions or meaning, then we can understand why critics would be so negative about this phrase. It would seem that people who take issue with this phrase think prayer is something you say out loud regardless of whether or not it makes a difference.

But Jesus taught His disciples that prayer is foundational to our understanding of the Christian life. Prayer isn’t something we do to change God. Prayer changes us in a fundamental way. 

The truth is that prayer is what we call our relationship with God. Throughout the Bible there are many stories of people in an intimate relationship with God. We find people who are wrestling, arguing, crying out, and pleading with God. But is this because prayer is a meaningless act?

One story stands out from Scripture as particularly relevant to this conversation. In Genesis, God tells Abraham that He will wipe out the city of Sodom because it is filled with sinful, evil people. Abraham pleads with God, saying “But what if there are but 50 righteous people in this city, will you wipe it out then?” God yields, saying “If there are 50 righteous people in the city, I will not wipe it out.” Abraham then presses his luck, saying “Lord, what if there are 40 righteous people in the city? Will you wipe it out?” And God yields again, saying “If there are 40, I will not wipe out the city.” And Abraham keeps insisting, until he has seemed to make God agree that if there are even 10 righteous people in Sodom, He will not wipe out the city.

Should we take away from this story that God is a tyrant who is easily swayed from His plans? Well, the real meaning behind this story is that God wanted Abraham to understand His heart and take an active role in the relationship. Prayer is the conversation between a person and God. God wanted Abraham to engage in a dialogue about the world and the tragedy of the world. Prayer didn’t change God’s mind. Ultimately, this conversation changed Abraham’s view of God. The justice deserved by an evil city is punishment. But Abraham insists on God’s mercy because Abraham knows God doesn’t desire to punish the innocent. 

God doesn’t want us to send meaningless words into a vacuum in times of tragedy and suffering, or even times of joy. That’s not what prayer is about. God wants us to engage Him in dialogue about what is really happening in our lives. He wants us to turn to Him and ask for what we need and thank Him for what we receive. 

In the end, whether “thoughts and prayers” are seen as a meaningful gesture of compassion or criticized as empty words, their role in our response to tragedy makes us confront our own ideas about what prayer really is about. 

Some might think prayer is the equivalent of saying “good luck”. But prayer can be an appropriate response if what we mean by prayer is actively engaging in a relationship with Him and inviting Him into our daily lives. We aren’t always capable of helping others directly or immediately. Prayer is the action of involving God in our lives and petitioning Him on behalf of others, who we feel deeply for. 

In this way, prayer is an appropriate response to the lows, and the highs of life. It is a way of being with others in their suffering.

So, when tragedy strikes your community, or even your own life, who will you turn to? When you tell a friend that you’re praying for him, what is it you’re really engaging in? And will it change the world or—more importantly—will it be an encounter with the living God that changes YOU?