Too often, posts on social media asking for "good thoughts" or "happy vibes" pop up on my screen, and I idly scroll past most of them. All of these posts are immediately followed by comments agreeing to do what was asked, and even some offering the phrase, "I'll pray for you!".

There is nothing wrong with asking for a prayer here and there, especially from family and friends. But at some point, I start to wonder how many of those offered prayers are actually being said? Did my friends actually sit and offer up their sincere hearts for me before bed, or are they just saying they will to make themselves feel better? Maybe it's a bit cynical of me to accuse some of a certain prayer life that I have no business in, but I like to be honest with myself about the world around me. And honestly, a lot of people in this world will do anything they can to make themselves feel better. This includes saying that they'll pray for me when they have zero intention of doing so later on.

Why do people so often blurt the phrase out if they know that they'll forget about it the moment it leaves their lips?

Maybe it's because some problems are too scary for them to deal with. Each time I hear someone offer their prayers, I can't help but hear the underlying fear and avoidance of actually sitting and helping me figure out whatever I need help with.

"I'll pray for you, but I won't help you study for that exam you're worried about."

"I'll pray for you, but I have my own problems to deal with."

Don't get me wrong, not everyone is like this. I do have wonderful family and friends who will pray for me and with me each night with no hesitation, which is how it should be. But I also have those people in my life who will dismiss my worried mind like it's nothing.

What good are your prayers if you never go through with them? What can you expect when you don't put your full heart into them, and only pray because you know you should, or because you said you would?

Stop using the intent of prayer to avoid the hardships of your friends' and family's lives, and instead, act with love. Say a true prayer for those in need of them, and then some extra ones for those who you think may not. We all need them, trust me.

Above all else, show those who you care about that are struggling in any part of their lives a true and sincere heart. If all you can do is pray for them, do it!

Stop saying "I'll pray for you", unless you truly mean it. It's better for all of us.