It's Okay If All You Can Offer Is A Prayer

In the past few weeks there have been several responses to the tragedies across the world. One of the more popular responses is to pray for those affected by violence and hate. And as people have shared their prayers on social media they have either been condemned and told that praying is not enough, or they have been mocked and told praying doesn’t make them a hero. Either way, the advocacy for prayer is being diminished in a time when it is needed the most. I want you to know that it is okay if all you can personally offer during these tragedies is a prayer for peace, comfort, and love.

Maybe some of the anger at the prayer posts is because they are misconstrued as something to say in order to look compassionate. I want you to know that when I say “my prayers go out to…” I truly am praying for them. I am not saying that in order to get likes or follow the current social media trend. I am truly getting down on my knees and asking Heavenly Father to send love and comfort to the family members of the victims in Paris, San Bernardino, and other parts of the world. I am truly asking Heavenly Father to heal those who were injured. I am truly asking Heavenly Father to wrap His arms around those who are struggling and help them. Even when I don't announce it online, I am still praying. That is what I can do right now, and I will not be shamed and bullied into thinking that my prayers are worthless. After all, are we not commanded to “mourn with those that mourn”?

Mosiah 18:8 …and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort…

We are to bear one another’s burdens, mourn with each other, and comfort others. We can hold someone while they cry over their struggles. We can write someone a letter or send them a card. We can offer our talents and services. The possibilities are endless! But sometimes we can’t physically help someone, and so we pray for them. Prayer is extremely powerful, and is no less helpful or important than other ways of help and comfort. We have also been promised that we will never have to grieve alone:

John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

I can testify from personal experience that these kinds of prayers can be felt and they are helpful. These moments are exactly what the Atonement is for. In moments of heartbreak, I have felt comfort and guidance come un-expectantly; I have also overcome struggles easier than I anticipated. When I have relayed these experiences to my mom she has responded, “I’m so glad! I was praying for you.” If I can feel the prayers from one person, then imagine how these families can feel when millions of people send prayers their way? Will they stop grieving? No. Will they stop crying? No. But Heavenly Father is crying and grieving with them. He will comfort them, mourn with them, and strengthen them. Our prayers can help with that; I know with all my heart that they can. And I would much rather send prayers of love and comfort to those affected by these tragedies than use their grief as a means to further political arguments.