The phrase '' thoughts and prayers '' is frequently used as an expression of condolences for victims of natural disasters ( e.g. , Hurricane Katrina ( 2005 ) , the 2010 Canterbury earthquake 2011 Christchurch earthquake , the 2017 Central Mexico earthquake , and Hurricane Maria 2017 ) . In addition , " thoughts and prayers " are also offered to victims of numerous mass shootings , including the Columbine High School massacre ( 1999 ) , the November 2015 Paris attacks , the Orlando nightclub shooting , and the 2017 Las Vegas shooting
Orlando nightclub shooting
Orlando nightclub shooting
Thoughts and prayers