Thoughts and prayers

What good are “thoughts and prayers”? In the wake of yet another tragic school shooting in Minnesota this week, multiple pundits and politicians seemed to question the usefulness of praying for the families of those lost and injured in the incident. While some were almost certainly calling for “a little less conversation, a little more action” as an official response to the violence, others sounded more like mocking, as if to say, “We tried praying; it didn’t work. Where is your god?”
 
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  –Ephesians 6:12-13a, 18 (NIV)
 
Before the blood was dry at the crime scene, political influencers from all sides brought out the usual arguments: fewer guns versus harsher punishment for gun crimes; more and better societal support systems versus detainment of mentally ill people who pose a danger to themselves and others. Meanwhile, the affected families (victims’ and shooter’s) watched their suffering being reduced to statistical fodder in the debate.
 
There is a very human cost to living in a fallen world. It extends beyond the time and place of the event. People will find a way to brutalize one another, whatever laws are on the books. Reckon what weapon Cain used to kill Abel? Rock? Stick? Pitchfork? Bare hands? My point is there are probably strategies that would be more or less helpful, and I certainly have my own opinions, but I don’t think this problem gets solved until Jesus comes back.
 
So beyond the posturing and the policy statements and the implementation of whatever legislation might eventually be drafted, there are people who hurt. Hurt people hurt people. In ways big and small, every day. Most of the pain inflicted is senseless. Even when the violence (be it physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, or spiritual) has a traceable source, the acting out is usually outsized and misdirected. How are we to process that? How do we make sense of the senseless?
 
While prayer does not erect a bullet-proof shield around the most innocent among us, it does invoke divine comfort on those who suffered loss. It does allow us to step into the pain of others and to love like Jesus does. It does encourage us to take a broader perspective on a broken world that desperately needs restoration and redemption. It calls us to wisdom as we search for remedies and reminds us that the ultimate remedy awaits the return of the One who will make all things new.
 
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  –2Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)
 
Though “thoughts and prayers” may look impotent to some, it is a response that, when taken seriously and practiced in sincerity, may be the single most powerful weapon in our arsenal. When God’s people thoughtfully pray in His name, He listens, the angels stand at attention, and the enemy shudders. Mock me if you will. You’ll have my thoughts and prayers.