Tragedies..Travesties..and Turmoil

It seems like literally everyone in my small circle of friends including a few of my family members are experiencing some sort of misfortune. It hurts me to see anyone that I care about  have to go thru any sort of pain. I know that without struggle there can be no growth but sometimes I feel like it just gets out of hand. I wish there was more I could do to help them get through it easier but I know there is not.I've been trying to pray more often...but sometimes I wonder if I am doing it right. I know this may sound stupid but when you pray..do you speak your prayer out loud or do you say it in your head? I mean I am sure that God can hear you either way. I have done both and I guess I reserve my most serious and personal prayers to being thought versus being spoken out loud. I am working on keeping a positive outlook on life and maintain the relationships in my life. I know I can't make everyone happy but I can try to keep a positive dialogue with those closest to me.  If I haven't learned anything of value over my 24 years of life, I have learned that there is no point in bringing others down with your problems or complaining about the things that aren't going your way in life. All that will do is continue to draw a shadow over yourself and push those who care about you away. Be positive no matter what. It will benefit you in the end.