Prayers are Effective—Thoughts Are Not

How many times in the past years, in the wake of a tragedy, have we heard, "My thoughts are with you"? "Yes to prayers! No to thoughts. For prayers reach Heaven, and Heaven reaches back down to Earth."

From Crisis

By Mark Haas

A closer look at Catholic teaching reveals a sharp truth: while prayers are indeed powerful, mere “thoughts” accomplish nothing in the supernatural order.

In moments of tragedy, it has become almost instinctive for politicians, celebrities, and public figures to declare that they are offering “thoughts and prayers” to the afflicted. The phrase has become so common that it has lost its force. In many circles, it has even become a target of ridicule—critics accuse it of being a hollow substitute for meaningful action. On the other hand, defenders insist that it is at least a gesture of compassion. But a closer look at Catholic teaching reveals a sharper truth: while prayers are indeed powerful, mere “thoughts” accomplish nothing in the supernatural order.

What Does It Mean to Pray?

The word “pray” itself means to ask. In older English, one might hear the phrase “pray tell”—an appeal for another to give an answer or explanation. To pray, in its truest sense, is to ask God for help, mercy, or grace. It is a movement of the heart directed toward the Creator, not merely a sentiment we hold within ourselves.

Sacred Scripture constantly exhorts us to pray. Jesus tells us plainly: “Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). St. Paul urges the Thessalonians to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC 2559, quoting St. John Damascene). It continues: 

Whether prayer is expressed in words or gestures, it is the whole man who prays. But in naming the source of prayer, Scripture speaks sometimes of the soul or the spirit, but most often of the heart. It is the heart that prays.(CCC 2562)

Prayer, therefore, is not a vague notion or “positive vibes.” It is not simply “thinking good thoughts.” It is a real, living encounter with God.

Why “Thoughts” Are Not Enough

Thoughts alone, however kindly meant, have no supernatural effect. To think of someone in pain or loss may stir up compassion within us, and in that sense, thoughts may prepare the ground for true charity. But in themselves, they do nothing for the soul of another.

St. Teresa of Ávila once said, “Prayer is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.” Thinking about a person is not the same as lifting them up to God in prayer.
Likewise, Pope Benedict XVI taught: “Prayer is not an accessory or optional, but a question of life and death. Only those who pray, that is, who entrust themselves to God with filial love, can enter into eternal life” (General Audience, May 16, 2012). Notice—he does not say “only those who think.” Prayer is what transforms.

The Folly of “Thoughts and Prayers”

This is why the common cultural phrase “thoughts and prayers” is so unsatisfying. It lumps together two realities that are not equal. One is divinely commanded and effective. The other is mere sentiment. To say “thoughts and prayers” is to blur the line between what God has asked of us—true intercession—and what is simply a natural human reaction.

The Catechism itself emphasizes that prayer is efficacious: “Prayer is a vital necessity. Proof from the contrary is no less convincing: if we do not allow the Spirit to lead us, we fall back into the slavery of sin” (CCC 2744). Prayer lifts us into the life of God. Thoughts, unaided, leave us unchanged.

A Call to Recover Prayer

The challenge for Catholics today is to recover the confidence that prayer truly matters. Jesus Himself prayed constantly: He withdrew to the mountains; He rose early in the morning; and even in His agony in Gethsemane, He lifted His heart to the Father. If the Son of God prayed, how much more should we?

St. Padre Pio, famous for his tireless intercession, once said, “Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart.” To substitute prayer with “thoughts” is to lay aside the one weapon Christ has actually placed in our hands.

The next time tragedy strikes, let us not cheapen our response with platitudes. Let us say clearly: I will pray for you. Even better: I am praying for you now. The world needs less of our thoughts and more of our prayers. Thoughts are fleeting, insubstantial, self-contained. Prayers are powerful, efficacious, and rooted in God’s promise. As the Catechism reminds us, “Prayer and Christian life are inseparable” (CCC 2745).

So let us say with conviction: Yes to prayers! No to thoughts. For prayers reach Heaven, and Heaven reaches back down to Earth.