In my mind, prayer might involve no more than mere conscious thought. People uncomfortable praying to G-d or a higher power may feel more comfortable in deep contemplation. While they may be two vastly different types of expression, the worldly impacts of both mindful thought and prayer can be the same.

Evidence for this lies, perhaps, in the studies that involve a group of people praying for an individual, unknowingly, who is sick in the hospital. The results show us that the people who were prayed for had a more successful healing process. The avenue by which the prayer was executed was not absolutely defined and, therefore, one might assume that some of those “prayers” were actually concentrated thoughts.

Regardless of what you might believe, raising the consciousness of a group of people can change the world – for better or worse. The legend of the 100th monkey tells of the never-ending impact that travels overseas causing transformation. In this case, monkeys on a particular island learned a habit, initiated from one monkey, of washing their sweet potatoes before eating them. Over the years, this became an inherited characteristic of the monkeys on this island. Even more fascinating, it was later discovered that monkeys on other islands were also washing their potatoes.

It is because of the “legend of the 100th monkey” and the power of prayers going out into the world, that I find it necessary to write about a young Israeli man, Gilad Shalit.

Gilad Shalit, born on August 28, 1986, is an Israel Defense Force soldier. In June 2006, he was stationed at the Kerem Shalom Crossing when a militant ambush occurred. Shalit was abducted by Hamas activists and is still being held hostage in the Gaza Strip today.

The promise of his return has been attached to the release of 1000 Palestinian prisoners, many of who have been convicted of terrorist actions that killed many innocent people. A recent video, released on October 2nd, 2009, has caused a resurgence in the public’s interest to have Gilad Shalit released.

For many of us, Gilad Shalit may not be on our minds on a daily basis, but his parents – I have no doubt – are consumed with the hope of his safe return. And, as they maneuver through the day-to-day necessities of life, I would imagine they are sending constant prayers out into the world on behalf of their son.

How easy would it be to offer a bit of help? How easy is it to send our prayers out into the world, to G-d or in whatever manner you prefer to encourage the safe homecoming of Gilad Shalit to his family. It is my hope that this article will soon be outdated because Gilad is back at home having dinner with the people he loves.

If you are so moved, click on the link below to read Psalm 21 in Gilad’s honor.