(CNN) -- "The family of a man suspected of fatally shooting an Iowa football coach urged the community Thursday to pray for the victim's family."

And people praying for Michael Jackson's soul.

A common sentiment, expressed regularly. I've expressed it. And pondering it I'm wondering what it means to pray for someone.

I know in the Roman Catholic Church as I was raised it was explained that certain saints could, if prayed to, intercede with God on behalf of a person or their soul. God would be a bit more benevolent or less harsh depending upon the number of prayers addressed to that saint. And if one didn't have time to pray, they could buy and light candles, which were prayers of a sort as long as they burned. Kind of like Tibetan flags.

What about the poor bastard for whom no one prays. Lived alone on an island all his adult life. Is God going to overlook him? Or what about the mean person who has a bunch of folks praying for his mean and miserable soul? Will he catch a break because of the prayers? Or about the sick child for whom no one prays? Is God going to be mean?

Is it a bit like the Clinton White House, where one could get any access they wanted with a large enough donation? And those without donations could go piss up a rope?

When I say it I'm wishing the person the strength to handle whatever the situation brings and the knowledge that they while the burden is theirs alone they are not alone with the burden. But I'm not sure what the traditionally devout mean. Or if their God is for sale and the currency is people praying. What happens if I directly pay people to pray for me. Or indirectly, promise a donation to a church, and people pray for me?

Arf