Some people find prayers valuable, while others would actually pay to avoid them.

Two sociologists studied residents who survived a hurricane, asking them to describe their hardships. Then they made an offer of a prayer and tied the offer to money.

What did they discover? Christians valued prayer from a stranger, but others said they would pay more than $3.50 to avoid a Christian stranger’s prayer.

Wait … what? Who doesn’t want prayer? People who see the offer of prayer as a warm and fuzzy platitude that is not tied to actual action, a bailout.

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:15,16).

Let’s admit this. “I’ll pray for you” sometimes means, “I’ll delegate your problem to God. He’ll take care of you while I go take care of me.” 

Giving others’ problems to God is good. Not being part of the solution is bad.

Consider these loving actions. Instead of saying, “I’ll pray for you,” pray right there, on the spot, with the person (even on the phone or in a text message).

When you say, “I’ll pray for you,” grab your phone right there, on the spot, and enter the person’s name and request into your notes so you don’t forget.

Don’t just pray but also act. Don’t just act but also pray.