Yesterday was a day for many thoughts and prayers. If you have not heard already, a crazed maniac walked into a Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas and killed a couple of dozen people. In this world, no place is safe. There are many speculations as to why this deranged individual went into a Church shooting people. I do not want to speculate on his motives because honestly I don't know and I don't care. All I know is that a lot of people are dead and injured. We live in a society where too many people are disconnected from God. A lack of God is the problem with every shooting that you see in the news.
When we tell others that our thoughts and prayers are with you, do we mean that? Saying that you will keep someone in your thoughts and prayers is the cheap gift that keeps being re-gifted every time a tragedy strikes. How many times do you hear someone using these words as a cheap way to sooth the situation and provide false comfort? If you truly mean this, then you should follow through with intentional prayers. It almost seems like our thoughts and prayers is a default line for empty Christians. I am not trying to come across as judgmental or as a jerk, but I just get tired of people saying something and doing another. See God is the only one who knows these peoples hearts and minds. He is the only one that can judge their actions.
When thoughts and prayers must be intentional.
I like to be intentional about who I pray for and how I do it. Bringing someone's grief to the Lord on their behalf is a great way to support them in their time of need. The Bible tells us that we should pray for each other. Sometimes we do not know what to pray for, so we rely on the holy spirit working inside of us.
Romans 8:26-27 NASB 26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
If the only time you talk about prayer is on social media, you should probably abstain from saying anything. It sickens me to see celebrities and politicians continuing to offer their thoughts and prayers while remaining on their empty journey in life. If your words have substance, others should already know your heart by the fruits of your spirit. Using your platform to excel your agenda does not carry weight when talking about prayer. Saying that you offer your thoughts and prayers does not qualify as a prayer. When tragedy strikes, victims know that people will keep them in their prayers. It serves no purpose to announce your intent of prayer. Just pray and cut the crap already.