Thoughts and Prayers: a typical phrase conveying artificial care and concern for people adversely affected by any number of situations in life; a phrase used in fake concern by people knowing damn well they’re not going to do anything to help.
Urban Dictionary
I get it. The phrase, “thoughts and prayers,” is tossed about carelessly, over and over in the wake of every tragedy and adversity, almost like the obligatory “God bless you” when someone sneezes. While it is not for me to judge the sincerity of those sharing this sentiment (though I generally believe most are well meaning), I can understand why the phrase provokes frustration and anger. Action. Action is what is wanted, needed, in times of strife and crisis, especially when the person extending these thoughts and prayers is in a position to act. Political, corporate and community leaders have the power, the means, to take action, solve problems, prevent crisis, right? But if we are to be honest with our collective self, all 7 billion of us have the ability, however small, to act and make change. And I’d like to think our actions are informed by thought and prayer. So is this comment really so offensive?
I’m not a political or social advocate. I’m not a great mind or philosopher, nor am I overly religious. But I like to think about all the things going on in my life, my family, my community and world and reflect on how it all connects with my deep faith in a God who loves more than I can comprehend. My relationship with God is dynamic, ever changing and deepening. Just when I think I may be starting to figure things out, figure God out, I am swept into a new realm of unknowing, a new dimension in my spiritual universe, a new faith adventure. And, it is through prayer, my daily conversations with God, my daily silence with God, my daily knowing, trusting, believing in God, even when I forget to know, trust and believe, that fuels my journey. To borrow a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, prayer strengthens my beliefs, informs my thoughts, crafts my words, prompts my actions, creates my habits, forms my values, guides my destiny.
Thoughts & Prayers 