You know the traction-gaining tool for social media: hashtags. Whether it’s #WeAreN or #icebucketchallenge, people turn to hashtags to use their Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram posts to make a difference.

Why? We want to use social media to effect change. With or without a hashtag, we post because we have something to say that we want someone else to read—and we hope our words will find a place in their attention, if only for a moment.

Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.

But could I remind you of a form of posting that always works? It’s called prayer, and it is guaranteed to move the arm of God.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.—Matthew 7:7–8

So next time you get ready to post a status that you hope will effect change, ask yourself a simple question: Have I prayed for this?

After all, it’s easier to post without praying. But if we really had to choose one or the other, it’s far more effective to pray without posting. And posting with prayer is more effective than posting without prayer.

Do you pray? Or do you just post?

One moves the arm of God. The other may sway the opinions of man.

I believe in posting (obviously), but I believe more in prayer!

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.—James 5:16