http://wjla.com/news/nation-world/first-victims-of-texas-church-shooting-identified

Amazing that he survived! I'm going to pray for Rylan, whether you think that's needed or not!

Praying doesn't change God, but it changes us. It humbles us to pray and acknowledge that we are completely dependent upon God, our creator and sustainer. We cast our cares upon Him, because he told us to do that, and because he cares for us. When we hear about tragedies like that horrific church shooting today, our hearts are troubled and nothing will bring more peace than praying to our Sovereign Holy God, again, not because it changes Him, but because we can pour out our hearts everything we are thinking and feeling about all these tragedies around us, knowing that He is in control, and even if we can't understand it all, we can find rest and peace knowing He does. When we pray for those people, we come along side them as they are casting their hurts and fears on God too. If I or anyone I loved was a victim to something like what happened today at that church, I would be greatly comforted knowing my brothers and sisters around the world were praying for me and my loved ones, not because it changes God, or changes the circumstances, but through their prayers, they are showing their love as they pour out their hearts to God on our behalf. And God also answers our prayers, not according to our will, but according to His will, and through the means of prayer, he often works out His will, to give us what we have asked. And when the answer is no, we trust He knows best, and lean not on our own understanding. But no matter what His answer is, their is great comfort in praying to our Sovereign Lord.
So yes, prayers are needed! And yes, they are needed all the time, not just in tragedies, but certainly the peace that we need through the darkest times calls for more prayers.

1 Peter 5:
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.