What is praying supposed to do? If there is a God and this God wants the family to not suffer, he'll help them out whether you ask him to or not. But seeing as how the children died a horrible death and have not been resurrected from the dead, I can only conclude that either God doesn't care about their happiness, or this God character is just a myth. If you really want to help this family out, get off your knees and actually do something. Donate your money, give them some clothes or food, but please don't talk to your invisible friend thinking that'll help them out somehow.