Do prayers make a difference?  Most definitely.  Each thought is a purveyor of information and energy.  Imagine the power of thoughts directed toward a person or a group with heart-felt intention!  Imagine such thoughts and words imbued with the sincere desire for good.  This is prayer.  See your prayers as ribbons of light that flow from your heart to the recipient, whether here or in the hereafter, and see them adding light to the light that already exists.  Yes, you note that we did not say “adding light to the darkness.”  There is always light present, no matter how dark you may perceive a situation.  Turn up that light by adding more of your own and thus make a difference.  You are the Light—all of you.  Send light as prayer and never forget, you are all so very loved.