Thoughts and Prayers are More Powerful than the World Believes
- Amy Blossom
- Sep 1
- 5 min read
Whenever tragedy strikes, you often hear people respond with the phrase, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” For Christians, this phrase reflects genuine compassion and a desire to bring the situation before God’s throne. But not surprisingly, much of our current culture pushes back. Some scoff, saying “Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough.”
What these critics don’t understand is this: prayer is not only enough — it’s essential. Thoughts and prayers are more powerful than the world believes.
The Power of Prayer Comes from God’s Sovereignty
Prayer isn’t wishful thinking. It isn’t sending “good vibes.” Prayer is calling on the all-powerful, sovereign God of the universe.
James 5:16 says: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
And John writes, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
Those who dismiss the power of prayer are inadvertently revealing that they don’t really know God. They don’t understand His sovereignty - that He rules over everything and answers according to His perfect will for HIS plan and HIS purpose.
Why Bad Things Still Happen
Skeptics ask, “If God is good, why does He allow evil?” The answer goes back to Genesis chapter three. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they handed over authority of this world (our world) to Satan . At that moment, sin entered, and with it came death, suffering, and destruction.
“Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die.’ … So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:4, 6)
“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19)
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
The fact that Satan does have some power doesn’t mean God is powerless. On the contrary, God remains sovereign. But in God's plan, He allows mankind to experience the consequences of sin, and that includes the consequences of our choices.
Prayer in a Sinful World
Because we live in a fallen world, prayer is even more vital. When we pray, we are not ignoring problems - we are engaging with the only One who has power to heal, to strengthen, and to redeem.
Philippians 4:6–7 tells us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Prayer invites God’s presence into our brokenness and it changes hearts - including our own. Prayer unleashes spiritual power against Satan’s schemes. When people say “prayer isn’t enough,” they are revealing that they don’t see the bigger reality: we are fighting a spiritual battle.
Satan’s Strategy: Keep You From Prayer
One of Satan’s greatest strategies is to keep people from praying. Why? Because prayer connects us directly to God.
Prayer brings us into God's presence, strengthens us in battle, and unleashes God’s power against the enemy’s plans. Satan knows he is powerless against a praying church.
This is why distraction, doubt, and discouragement often rise when you try to pray. Understand this: The enemy wants you silent before God. He knows prayer aligns your heart with the Lord and advances God’s kingdom on earth.
The Bible warns us about the spiritual battles we will face and to be prepared for them:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11, NKJV)
Satan does not fear our words, our plans, or our strategies - but he trembles when God’s people pray. That’s why he'll do anything to keep us distracted, busy, or disbelieving the power of prayer.
"Satan doesn’t fear your words. He fears your prayers."
Satan Is Alive, But Defeated
Yes, Satan is active in our world. But through the cross, Jesus has already defeated him. Satan's time is short, and his influence is limited.
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)
Jesus said: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15)
This is why we pray - not as people grasping at empty words, but as children appealing to a victorious King.
Prayer Really Does Work
The truth is, prayer changes things. Sometimes God changes the circumstance. Other times, He changes us in the middle of it. But He always hears, and He always responds.
Daniel prayed: “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” (Daniel 6:22)
Elijah prayed: “Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust; and it licked up the water that was in the trench.” (1 Kings 18:38)
The church prayed: “Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, ‘Arise quickly!’ And his chains fell off his hands.” (Acts 12:7)
And today, God still moves in ways seen and unseen.
Final Thoughts
The world says “thoughts and prayers aren’t enough.” But God says otherwise.
Prayer is not weakness — it is power. It’s not empty words — it’s communion with the living God.
Yes, we live in a sinful world where tragedy will come. Yes, Satan is active. But prayer connects us to the One who has already won the victory.
So don’t stop praying. Don’t let the world convince you that your prayers are meaningless. As children of God, we know the truth: prayer works, because God is sovereign.
Blessings,
Amy
Devotional Thought
The world may roll its eyes at the phrase “thoughts and prayers,” but those who know God understand something deeper: prayer is access to the throne of heaven. When we pray, we are not speaking empty words — we are speaking to the King of kings.
We live in a sinful world. Satan is active. Tragedy will come. But prayer anchors us in God’s sovereignty. Prayer isn’t about controlling outcomes; it’s about trusting the One who controls all things. It’s about peace that surpasses understanding — a peace the world cannot offer.
