I am hearing and reading in places that some of the 'faithful' are offended that the victims of this latest shooting have stated that prayers are not enough, or that they do not want prayers.

I would like to offer some context. These people are hurt and suffering, as would be expected. Their comments about prayers are not much different than the Black Lives Matter movement, which many also can not understand the context of.

This statement that prayers are unwanted or not enough, is an indictment about something needing to be done, some action taken, instead of JUST PRAYING. Similar to the implied 'too' of Black Lives Matter, the context of 'prayers are not enough' is right in front of us. And it is is scriptural.

James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.


So although, sending thoughts and prayers in a situation where it is ALL WE HAVE, like if we hear from a friend they are going for a promotion, or if we hear from a neighbor that they have just lost a loved one ... it can be comforting.

BUT when one is in a position of authority prayers alone IN PLACE of action is almost insulting: Like if a teacher sees a kid being bullied and says 'My thoughts and prayers are with you' while continuing to walk past.

or if a cop sees someone with a gun being held on them and says 'my thoughts and prayers are with you' but continues to walk by

and on and on and on

the politicians and policy makers that can DO SOMETHING are shirking responsibility when ALL they do is 'send thoughts and prayers'

Faith without works is dead, and in their case, that type of lip service is an insult to survivors and loved ones.

Unfortunately this World is controlled by an evil Wordly system. Congress and officials are in charge of laws for this Nation. Rarely do any of them put God's righous way first in anything they do.

Prayers are needed in all and every situation. Imo

I think prayers are always needed but guns aren't the problem. Cain killed Abel before guns

Evil will always exist

Spot on msharmony, you nailed it.

the ease with which guns are obtained and the type of guns being sold are PART of the problem.

We can only do what we can to make things BETTER, no one believes anything will make things flawless.

it is nice when others understand, thank you

You are right.

Yes dear, evil will always exist till Christ comes. We all need to pray for the nations for evil not to dominante the world. The world we are now is so cruel

I agree - great post!

true i agree with you

love AND compassion ...