Prof. Shelly Rambo quoted in CNN article after Minneapolis school shooting tragedy
The following is an excerpt from CNN article “What happens after ‘thoughts and prayers’? These religious leaders have an answer” by Madeline Holcombe, featuring Professor of Theology Shelly Rambo, published on August 29, 2025.
…
To say, “I am praying for you,” can also be like a promise to be present with another person in their struggle, said Dr. Shelly Rambo, professor of theology at Boston University.
One form of prayer could translate to meaning, “I promise to stay with you and hold you in all of the hope that faith claims,” Rambo said.
That promise can mean acknowledging a situation as terrible and important, and the person praying can serve as someone else standing by someone who is in a hard situation, she added.
Pledging to stay with another person in your thoughts and hold compassion and hope for them is even more powerful when it is followed by commitment, Rambo said.
…