Ditch the Prayers

Many will offer “prayer” in the wake of the Orlando tragedy. Whether it’s done in a church, over a microphone by a politician, or through Tweets, Facebook, and blog postings … prayer will be the common response to what has been described as “the worst killing spree in U.S. history.”

Yet the truth remains … the ONLY efficacy of prayer related to any tragedy is for the people doing the praying.

Over a period of many centuries, it has been indoctrinated into the human psyche that a loving, invisible entity hears a person’s pleas and will offer comfort and solace to those in need. Thus, by simply uttering a few relevant words to this unseen being, many believe they have helped to ease any suffering and/or pain experienced by the loss or injury of someone else’s loved ones. In other words, they have “done their part.”

Few (if any) ever take the next step — even though the teaching of their “Good Book” says … “let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18) Or, as the ISV puts it,  “we must stop expressing love merely by our words and manner of speech; we must love also in action and in truth.”

Opening the mouth and directing a few words “heavenward” may be quicker and easier than actually doing something, but the truth remains … actions speak louder than prayer.

Even when miles separate us from those who are hurting, there are ways to ease suffering. Try contributing to the Red Cross or other disaster funds. Send a virtual hug if you know the affected parties. If you happen to live close by, perform simple, small acts of kindness. Offer words of solace and understanding. In other words, be human. And ditch the prayers.