What's a Prayer?

Does anyone still doubt that Satan is the ruler of this world?  Jesus said so in John 12:31. How else can one explain the shooting in Orlando?

I am mad and sad and a thousand other emotions but what also infuriates me are all of the liberal, progressive, politicians who stand in front of the television cameras today and repeat the same thing, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.” Now, I'm certainly not against prayer! Absolutely not! But I do know someone who is against hypocrisy. 

For so many of these elected officials I believe it's just a popular “talking point” today. Just as it was at Newtown, Charleston, San Bernardino, or after 9/11. You see, on days like today, suddenly God is acceptable, even desired it appears. But every other day from these same folks all we hear shouted out is, “SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE!” These elected representatives of the people, by the people, and for the people are the very same ones who fight against the people praying at school, football games, graduations or any other public event. They are vehemently opposed to singing Christmas carols at the “Winter Solstice” concert or putting up a nativity scene or having a monument to the Ten Commandments on the town green because doing so - even mentioning God - may “offend” someone. God is offensive any other day, as far as they're concerned, but not today though. We need Him today so today prayer is okay. Today, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.”

Do you know that God said to the prophet Jeremiah, “Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, for I will not listen to them when they cry out to me in distress.” (Jeremiah 11:14) Why would He say that? Because until something like this happens we don't seem to want anything to do with Him. We don't acknowledge Him, listen to Him or care what He has to say about anything. We decide what is moral and immoral now. He's old fashioned. Times have changed. Things are different now. 

Did you know that God said to the prophet Isaiah, “When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims.” (Isaiah 1:15) And yet, in a country where we have murdered over 50 million children since legalizing abortion in 1973, we just expect Him to ignore all that and show up today. Even though we ignore so much of what He says in His Word, today, we simply expect Him to wipe every tear away.

Yes, I am upset both at what happened in Orlando and that there are so many hypocrites in positions of leadership in this country. I am equally angry that we are the ones who supported them with our votes. Their future is not bright, however, Jesus is very clear about what sorrow awaits hypocrites. You can read about it in His book. You know that one these same people say that teachers can't even have out on their desks visible for impressionable children to see.

Sadly, one day, after another horrific event like this, someone will say, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families,” but having done such a good job at removing God from our society and culture a generation will reply, “What's a prayer?” 

Our hearts are broken. God's heart is broken too because life - every life - white, black, Hispanic, Asian, rich, poor, gay, straight, male, female, young or old (whether you are 23 minutes old, 23 days old, or 23 years old) every life is precious to Him. 

So, my prayers do go out to the families of those who are hurting in Orlando and I know that God will bring comfort today because in His Word (if you believe it and I do) He promised He would, “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)