The tragic death of 8 year old Martin Richard in the Boston Marathon Bombings has effected the entire world. We need prayers for Boston. To think that such a tragedy could occur at the running of an iconic event like the Boston Marathon is frightening and shocking.

For those of us who have felt the loss of our own child, some in similar violent circumstances, we have a deep sadness but understanding of what his parents are going through.

Words are never enough. We need prayers for Boston, we need prayers for Martin’s parents Bill and Denise and daughter Jane. Jane and Denise were seriously injured in the bomb blast. To think this little boy was in the stands with his mom and sister cheering his dad home breaks my heart. So senseless.

Bill Martin’s Statement

"My dear son Martin has died from injuries sustained in the attack on Boston. My wife and daughter are both recovering from serious injuries,’’ Bill Richard said in a statement released this afternoon. "We thank our family and friends, those we know and those we have never met, for their thoughts and prayers. I ask that you continue to pray for my family as we remember Martin.’’

He added, "we also ask for your patience and for privacy as we work to simultaneously grieve and recover. Thank you."

As we read these words we can feel the strength and love from a father who has had his world totally turned inside out in an instant. Many of us can relate to those feelings.

We can do nothing to change the events of that tragic day. We can pray for little Martin and his family and the families of the other two victims, Krystle Campbell and Lingzi Lu. We can offer support and hope.

For those of you who may be struggling with your own grief here is a chance to implement an action step I so often recommend when talking to grieving parents. Offer support in some way large or small. Make a donation, offer to join a support group that will help the victims, start your own group or just help someone in your own city or town who is doing it a lot tougher than you.

When we help others we really do help ourselves. Prayers for Boston can help more people than you know.

And when you help others in some small way you are moving a step closer to helping yourself.

Prayers for Boston. We need them now. Prayers for Boston now.