In today's divisive political and cultural climate the words "thoughts and prayers" are more and more under the microscope. And rightly so.
When looking at the "Christian intent" of these words, there is a lot to consider. Taken apart the word "prayer" is quite in alignment with the Christian faith. A belief that we are able to communicate with a creating God who interacts and intervenes in the world we live in. And the word "thoughts" are well...thoughts—things we think about.
Moses, Abraham, and many others had ongoing verbal back and forth with God. Trying to understand his intent, and asking for intervention in their's and other's circumstances. And Jesus prayed too. So in practice, if you believe so, prayer is a thing. And within the documented spaces of the bible, it is real. It takes the form of petition, praise, conversation and probably so much more.
But as people of the Christian faith—followers of Jesus—the actual use of these words have taken on a cautionary existence. Let's explore this a bit.
Christianity and Thoughts and Prayers: As outlined a bit above this is a part of the faith. While a practice, it is moreover a part of a relationship. It is an ongoing conversation with God. A pretty immense thing in that regard. A way of dialoguing with an omnipresent God who created us and everything around us. A God who loves us and wants that relationship with each of us. So we should talk with him.
Public Display and Thoughts and Prayers: This often overused statement while in many respects can be noble—in most others, not so much. It has been reduced to a status update. It has become a non-empathetic or ignorant way of passing along a position of compassion, then going on to the next thing. Or worse, it has become a lie frankly. A way of posturing to YOUR people or tribe. To show that YOU are aligned with THEM. So they will agree with and promote YOU. And the world is on to it.
Jesus and Thoughts and Prayers: This is where the rubber really meets the road. Particularly for people who want to follow the teachings of Jesus. While Jesus walked the earth he prayed (and I'm sure thought too). Mostly in private. To my knowledge (and I'm no theologian) the few times he prayed publicly were to show us how we should and shouldn't pray. And then sometimes to express thanks to God for something. Mostly his prayers were private. Not on public display, and most certainly without the intent to let everyone know that he was doing it. But in addition to those prayers, he acted. He served, healed, loved, fed, encouraged, sought justice, and disrupted the status quo—particularly within the church.
So if you call yourself a Christian, be discretionary with the use of the words. We need to know our audience. If it is a dear loved one or like-minded person who knows you and your heart's intention—and if you believe they will benefit in knowing that you are thinking and praying about them or for a particular situation—then please do so. But if that's not the case, go ahead and do it, but keep it to yourself. Like Jesus did.
And if you call yourself a Christian, perhaps you know in the book of James where the author writes "faith without works is dead". Yes, dead. As a doornail. Inactive, unbreathing, without life.
But gosh how much our world needs our deeds. How people need our love and our interactions. Our participation in conversation. Our service and support. Our selflessness. Start small if you wish, but start honestly. We've got to challenge our own status quo, in order to impact the status quo of others for good.
If you think I'm off base, please pray for me, but don't tell me about it.