Two days before the start of the Labor Day weekend, sin made landfall in Minneapolis. Robin Westman shot through the windows of the chapel at Annunciation Catholic School while kids were inside, attending mass. Before taking his own life, Westman killed two kids and wounded 17 kids and grown-ups. As the news rocketed across the country, the President posted on Truth Social:

“I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded, and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”

Can anyone say, “firestorm?”

Jen Psaki – former White House press secretary, now a media face on MSNBC – blasted her response in the digital exchange: “Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. Prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.” 

That isn’t her unique perspective. Following various tragedies that have become reminders of evil over the last few years, notable responses have joined that chorus:

“Our thoughts and prayers are not enough” — Barak Obama

“What good are your thoughts and prayers?” — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

“Thoughts and prayers are not enough” — Hillary Clinton

“With all due respect, your thoughts and your prayers are insufficient” — Jimmy Kimmel

“Public ‘thoughts and prayers’ offerings ‘should be outlawed” — Chris Matthews

This isn’t a public policy debate; it’s intensely personal. When you – or, when I – receive news about a disaster that is beyond my reach but a powerful devastation for people with whom I can identify, what positive reaction can I offer? How can I offer assistance to people whose needs are extraordinary?

God used the Apostle Paul to give us an ongoing default reaction to the moments when needs arise that exceed my ability to offer practical solutions. Here’s what Paul wrote to his young protegé Timothy, who was pastoring an influential 1^st Century church in Ephesus:

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people… Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. — 1 Timothy 2:1-8

When misfortune arrives in a Category 5 life storm, the foundations of one’s personal understanding are challenged in ways that demand practicum. We have a growing segment of our American populace who either reject the existence of God or repudiate His divine control over our world and His creation. For them, the suggestion that providence is at work in real-time is an affront to their chosen definitions of reality. For them, prayer is yet another evidence of unscientific distractions. 

Here’s a short-course on prayer: God is always on the throne and available to be approached, but only by people who have a personal relationship with Him, through His Son, Jesus. The prayers of God’s family – sons and daughters, through faith in Christ – allow us to exercise influence beyond our human reach. For people who do not come to the Father through the Son, their access is denied and their requests go unheeded. The exception: the prayer of repentance and faith – from an unredeemed person – will be instantly heard and answered by the Savior who is always ready to bring life to the dead.

My reaction, as I heard the news of the loss of life in Minneapolis two weeks back: I prayed that God would comfort those directly affected, restore the health of the injured, and bring Glory to Himself.

I’m far more confident taking suggestions from Paul of Tarsus than from the modern voices of “influencers” who think my prayers are a waste of time…

Bob Shank

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