Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World Star Chris Pratt makes no effort to hide his Christianity and oftentimes wears it proudly. This has caused no shortage of outrage from atheists in the general public, who insult and voice outrage at Pratt for daring to express his faith.

When Director and actor Kevin Smith of “Clerks” and “Jay and Silent Bob” fame had a massive heart attack that almost killed him, Pratt sent out a supportive tweet, telling Smith how much he meant to him as an actor, and that he’d “pray his ass off” for him. He also encouraged his followers to pray with him.

Kevin we don’t know each other too good but I have loved you since Clerks and I’m praying my ass off for you cause I believe in the healing power of prayer. Can you please pray with me people!? 🙏♥️ https://t.co/syB7BiQaoY

— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 26, 2018

Praying for you. I will continue to. You inspired me with Clerks when I was a senior HS. I’m tagging my Lb/rb football coach who showed me the movie cause he believed in me and knew I’d be inspired. @hodge1916 🙏♥️🙏 https://t.co/syB7BiQaoY

— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 26, 2018

This was just too much for atheists, who immediately launched after Pratt, denigrating his faith and insulting him.

The negativity got the attention of Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, who not only came to Pratt’s defense, but defended the use of prayer, saying how much of a difference it’s made in his life. Given, he also mentioned that prayer combined with action is best.

So I just read Chris Pratt’s tweet to Kevin Smith saying he would pray for him & made the mistake of reading the comments, many of which go off on Chris for saying he’d pray. I think people misunderstand the backlash against “thoughts & prayers.” (thread)

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

2 There is nothing wrong with sending someone positive thoughts & prayers. But when this is coupled with inaction when action will benefit the situation, it’s empty.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

4 And if you’re going to offer prayers to the folks suffering in Puerto Rico, you might consider adding a link for a donation or calling on your representatives to take action, in addition to those prayers. Prayers alone will not change the world.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

6 I’m not tweeting this to defend Chris – he’s a big boy and can take care of himself. But for me, personally, prayer and meditation are great boons to my life and help me navigate my way through this world, and I don’t want to dissuade others who find those things useful.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

7 I honestly would not be doing what I’m doing in either my career, or in speaking out on political matters, if I wasn’t led there through prayers and meditation. I feel lucky to have these tools.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

Gunn acknowledged that prayer isn’t for everyone, but that those who do send him thoughts and prayers in the event of his misfortune are more than welcome.

8 I don’t think that means YOU need to pray. I don’t. There are many ways to navigate this life. Mine is only one of them. Prayer isn’t for everyone but, in the face of helplessness, it’s often meant as a acknowledgement that one cares (and we all care about @ThatKevinSmith).

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

9 If I am ever sick I will gratefully accept any of your thoughts and prayers. And will not be as grateful for some random fan knocking down my doctor and performing his own brand of kick ass surgery on me. Love to you all. Have a great week.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

I can’t begin to stress the importance of these series of tweets, not just because they make a ton of sense, but because of the source. Gunn did something that many would find inexcusable. He promoted prayer. Especially in this day and age when “thoughts and prayers” are the subject of much ridicule, someone as powerful as Gunn recognizing its power and place is like finding cool water in a desert.

This kind of thinking should be promoted more. Prayer is good. Action is good too. Combined they are the tools that change the world.