Prayer Anyone?

I joined millions of others in this country and around the world in grieving for the families of the two children cowardly shot and killed in an incredibly evil fashion at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota by an angry and bitter former student. Nothing will ever be the same for these two families. As a Christian whose everyday life is centered around prayer, I was disappointed in what has become a rather predictable reaction from elected officials on the Progressive left when Christians offer public prayers and concern for grieving families following any type of tragedy or murderous event. In this incredibly sad case, the Mayor of Minneapolis shouted into the TV cameras his utter disgust that prayers were being offered since “the children themselves had been praying in school’s worship Mass”. In case the mayor does not understand, we are living in a fallen world where evil is trending from bad to worse. I hope he feels better after his angry outburst. Perhaps he earned some credit points with his Progressive base. But I fail to understand how his angry reaction helped the two families in their grief.

To be sure, I fully understand that any overtures of prayer and concern should be thoughtfully offered to any individual or family experiencing grief. When my 82-year-old father died somewhat unexpectedly approximately 30 years ago, I was incredibly grief stricken beyond what I could ever have imagined, and the grief did not dissipate quickly. Losing your first parent is not easy. I learned first-hand, that the finality of death is painfully real and direct and not easily processed. I still recall my hurt and disappointment when a member of our Sunday School class at a former church told me I should just “go and see a counselor.” Let me state emphatically that quick “check the box” condolences do not help those who are grieving. What I needed most at the time was assurance from a fellow Believer that my grief was understandable, and that I was being prayed for during this painful season. Thankfully, my wife Cathy was with me, or I would have likely reacted harshly to this individual in a way I would have later regretted. It would surely not have been nice “churchy type” words.

The reaction of many on the Progressive left notwithstanding, I do believe a sincere promise of prayer is well received and appreciated by most individuals going through any type of hardship. Following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago, I reached out to a New Orleans attorney who had represented the seller in a New Orleans transaction which I had worked on for Humana a few months prior to the hurricane. This attorney and I had many frank and spirited exchanges over the course of the transaction but remained cordial and respected each other professionally. When I finally reached him, I inquired as to how he and his family were doing as well as a young associate attorney who had assisted him in the transaction. I also told him I was praying for them. He assured me that he and his family and the young associate attorney were all fine. He also expressed his sincere gratitude for my prayers. In addition, and somewhat to my surprise, he included a very touching and unselfish request. He asked me if I would please pray for the entire New Orleans community which was suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. I was most pleased to do so.

Jesus also dealt with grief experienced by his friends during his earthly ministry. We see Jesus’ compassion clearly in John Chapter 11.  Jesus was close friends with two sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Lazarus became ill and died, and his sisters were incredibly grief stricken. When Jesus arrived at the wake for Lazarus, he also grieved deeply and consoled Mary and Martha. Both sisters expressed their keen disappointment to Jesus that he did not arrive to heal their brother before he died. Grief at the loss of a loved one is never easy, and Jesus understood the pain and sharp words of his friends. Thankfully for his grieving friends, Jesus did what no one else who has ever walked the face of the earth has ever done by raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. For the rest of us seeking to comfort grieving family and friends, we should be sure to extend our sympathy, care, and prayers to those who are grieving. We should understand that there is no easy path forward for those dealing with grief and hardship. I firmly believe prayer should be at the top of the list in caring for the grief stricken. I think you can be confident that your prayers will be appreciated by those who are grieving.

God bless you and thank you for the privilege of your time in reading my blog.