In the wake of tragedy, we often hear the phrase “thoughts and prayers aren’t enough.” But what if prayer is exactly what we need most in our darkest moments? Let’s explore why prayer remains essential, especially when facing the evils of this world.
When Prayer Seems Inadequate
This week, we witnessed another tragic event in Minneapolis where a troubled individual turned a gun on a church and school. In the aftermath, the mayor of Minneapolis made a statement suggesting that “thoughts and prayers are not enough” since these children were already in church praying.
But this perspective misses something crucial: there is never a time when it’s not advisable to seek the God of the universe for answers. Prayer gives us an outside perspective beyond our anger, frustration, fear, and opinions. It teaches us to pray even for those who commit evil acts – something we might never consider without God’s guidance.
What Does Scripture Say About Prayer?
James 5:13-16 provides clear instruction about prayer in various circumstances:
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”
The pattern is clear: pray when sad, pray (through psalms) when happy, pray when sick. Prayer is always appropriate, regardless of circumstance.
Prayers God Promises to Answer
Scripture assures us that certain prayers will always receive God’s response:
The prayer of repentance – God will always meet genuine repentance with forgiveness and grace.
Prayers for wisdom – James 1:5 tells us that anyone lacking wisdom need only ask, and God will give it generously.
Prayers for forgiveness – 1 John 1:9 promises that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us.
Prayers for salvation – Romans 10:13 assures us that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
God answers every prayer – though not always with a “yes” or in the way we expect. Sometimes His silence or His waiting is the answer we need.
Dangerous Prayers That Transform Us
Some prayers are “dangerous” not because God dislikes them, but because they move us toward transformation in ways that might be uncomfortable:
Prayers for patience – God doesn’t simply make us patient; He teaches us patience through trials. James 1:2-4 reminds us that “the testing of your faith produces patience.”
Prayers for victory over sin – God doesn’t magically fix our struggles; He walks us through battles until we learn to be victorious.
Prayers for peace – True peace comes not from the absence of storms but from being anchored to the Master of those storms.
Prayers of surrender – “Not my will, but Yours be done” is perhaps the most dangerous prayer because God’s will may not match our desires or plans.
The Power of Persistent Prayer
James 5:17-18 reminds us that “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours” – just a human being like us. What set him apart was his level of faith, trust, and prayer life. He prayed about the rain situation for three and a half years!
How many of us are willing to pray for more than a few minutes about our medical reports, family conflicts, or job situations? We have the same opportunity for conversation with God that Elijah had, but we don’t use it nearly enough.
Praying for the Lost
James 5:19-20 tells us: “If anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
Prayers over our loved ones and even our enemies have power and meaning. Prayers for the lost might be “dangerous” for them because they lead to encounters with Christ that change everything – changes they might initially resist.
Life Application
This week, I challenge you to make a covenant to spend extra time in prayer, asking God those “dangerous prayers” that will transform you:
Pray for patience with those who test you
Pray for love toward the least lovable people
Pray to reflect Christ’s grace in everything you do
Pray for those who are lost or hurting, even those who have committed terrible acts
Ask yourself:
Am I willing to pray persistently about situations rather than just briefly?
What “dangerous prayer” do I need to pray that might lead to my own transformation?
Who is one person in my life that needs my prayers for their salvation or healing?
Remember, contrary to what the world might tell you, more prayer and thought is the answer, not less. Abundant prayer changes things. Steadfast prayer changes the world.