Thoughts and Prayers

It’s not uncommon, after a tragedy, for people to say that their “thoughts and prayers” are with those who are grieving.  Whether it’s a mass shooting, a hurricane, or a train derailment (etc.), this expression of condolence is often shared.  Let me offer a few comments about “thoughts and prayers”:

• Pairing “thoughts” with “prayers” can diminish the meaning of prayer.  Calling on God is not a mere mental exercise; thinking about someone is categorically different from appealing to the Lord God for their good.  One action is horizontal, the other vertical.  So I’m not a fan of linking the two terms.
• A Christian doctrine of prayer would prompt us to ask our­selves, “Is God leading us to do more than pray?”  To be sure, prayer is primary, and to act without praying would be wrong:  “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).  But, having prayed, we should also be ready to step out in faith to serve others.  So, if we find ourselves offering “thoughts and prayers” to the hurting as a way of avoiding involvement, we need to circle back to the One to whom we pray and ask for his instructions.
• We should expect non-believing people, or even some pro­fessing Christians who’ve received only minimal teaching from the Bible, to misunderstand prayer.  They may suppose, for example, that prayer, if it’s for real, is like a light switch:  flip it and, presto, out comes the outcome you asked for!  But the Bible’s teaching is much more nuanced than that.  When we pray, God’s answer may be “No” or “Yes but later” or “Yes but not in the form you imagine” or even “I’m up to something you can’t comprehend now, but one day in glory you’ll know.” So when some politician or reporter sharply mocks Christians for valuing prayer, let their spiritual poverty move your heart, with God’s love (John 3:16), to pray for them.  Pray even for your enemies (Matt. 5:44), that the lost may be found!