What Do Prayers Actually Do? The Power of Prayer Explained

Yesterday there was a tragic shooting at a Mormon church in Michigan. Several people were killed, more injured and the church was set on fire and burned down. When I heard the news of that tragic event, I wrote an article and made a video inviting people to join me in praying for the victims, their loved ones and family, for the city and for our nation which has been plagued with a terrible spree of violence and killing.

In response to my video calling for prayer, today I was asked: “What do your prayers actually do?” along with several follow-up questions about prayer. I’ll share the questions I was asked along with my basic answers because these are questions that many, if not most, struggle with and this is a very important topic.

Prayer as Energy, Intention, and Blessing

Prayer should not simply be words spoken into the air. True prayer is energy, intention, and blessing operating in the spiritual dimension—the unseen reality from which all physical reality arises.

When I pray, I align my heart and mind with the Source of all creation. In that alignment, I invite healing, hope, peace, and love.

Prayers touch people and situations in ways we may never fully see nor logically comprehend. Prayers call forth light into darkness, love where there is hurt, healing where there is pain, and restoration into brokenness.

Every prayer is like planting a seed. Some seeds sprout quickly. Others take time. Every prayer can bless, heal, protect, awaken, and transform.

Prayer and Action: Which Matters More?

The next question was: “What does more, prayer or action?”

The truth is, prayer and action are designed to work in harmony.

Too often people pray empty prayers without faith—doubting anything will happen—and then never open themselves to divine inspiration that would guide them into the right action. Effective prayer requires both faith in the power of prayer and receptivity to God’s guidance.

Proper prayer prepares us for inspired action. And inspired action, fueled by prayer, is far more impactful than action motivated by ego, pride, or fear.

So, when you pray, pray with faith, hope and love. Be willing and ask: “What would you have ME do?” Be quiet and attentive to the quiet inner whisper of God. Be receptive to divine promptings to be ready to take divinely inspired action if prompted.

Does God Answer Everyone’s Prayers?

Next, I was asked, “Were people praying in the Mormon church? Did that do anything for them? Unless your god does not listen to Mormon prayers? Is God selective in answering prayers?”

There is only one God of all creation. People of every faith—Christian, Mormon, Jew, Muslim, agnostic, atheist—may have different views, but ultimately, there is still only one Creator.

Scripture gives us guidance:

• “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” – James 5:16

• “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24

• “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” – Ephesians 6:12

The effectiveness of prayer has much to do with our sincerity, faith, and alignment with God. Beyond this, we must be aware that there are many unseen forces at work.

Is Prayer Just Self-Soothing?

To this, I was asked: “So there’s no real reason to pray other than self-soothing?”

Prayer is not simply for self-soothing. If prayer is spoken without sincerity, without love, without faith—it likely will be ineffective even at soothing the self. But if prayer is offered with faith, hope, and love, then prayer is one of the most powerful forces in existence.

Prayer heals. Prayer transforms. Prayer awakens. Prayer brings heaven’s reality into earthly situations.

Final Thoughts: Why Pray?

Prayer is not a placebo. Prayer is a sacred, supernatural connection with God, the Source of life, light, love and all creation. It opens our hearts to divine power, prepares us to receive divine guidance, and transforms our world.

So don’t underestimate your prayers. Pray with sincerity. Pray with faith. Believe in the power of your words. Plant the seeds. And then step forward into inspired action.

Prayer works—and it works in ways that change lives, families, communities, and nations.

Pray. Believe. Act.

Be blessed—and be a blessing.