The Mom Cafe

Encouragement for Moms

  • Home
  • About
  • Encouragement in…
    • Expression
    • Motherhood
    • Faith
    • Family
    • Marriage
    • Healing
  • Places I’ve Been Published
  • Work with Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Why Do Christians Pray In Response to Horrible Headlines? Let Me Explain…

November 3, 2019 By momcafe 20 Comments

Why do Christians pray in response to horrible headlines?

 

Terrible things happen all over the world every day. We see the headlines describing horrific mass shootings, devastating natural disasters, demoralizing victimization, erupting war-torn regions, and personal tragic circumstances that are heartbreaking, terrifying, and upsetting to read.

When calamitous news is shared on various media outlets, the individual responses from those updates pour out sadness and anger, along with a rousing call to action and support for change. This world needs help and a lot of it. It needs people to dive into the trenches and make a difference.

And many do. But others respond by offering prayers.

Their statements often look like these: “I’m praying for them.” or “I’m praying for this terrible situation.” or “Praying!”

And sometimes, these words can be misunderstood as dismissive and even offensive to those who may not fully understand the depths of them. And perhaps those harsh accusations can sometimes be true. I’m guessing there may be people who claim to offer prayers because they’re unsure how to respond. They may feel it is a helpless or hopeless situation they have no control over. And maybe some people use that phrase as an automatic general gesture, without having the intent to actually pray at all.

And I get that praying for something significant can seem like taking a pass on actually doing anything about it. I see how some people might perceive such a response as an impulsive and careless acknowledgment that feels shallow, detached, and irresponsible. Memes circulate around social media and comments are fueled with passionate disdain for people who share this sentiment.

It’s a cold hard world out there and my gosh, it’s full of misunderstanding, assumptions, and accusations- all with the best intentions. People are passionate about things, I know. People have expectations and assertions and countless declarations when it comes to important concerns and they are at the ready to ring the alarm for justice and action, which is an honorable way to respond.

But there are some people who believe that prayer is the first step, the most important step, toward doing anything of value. And I’d like to explain why because I’m one of those people. I pray for people and circumstances consistently and faithfully.

I want to share what this means for me, a Christian, because my prayers aren’t empty promises, they are filled with the belief that I am doing something that truly matters. I want to clarify what is thought of by some, as a passive cliché, because it is far from that for me. I want to help people understand how significant this phrase is to those who take prayer seriously and why.

As a Christian, my prayers aren’t empty promises.

Click To Tweet

 

You see, I believe the God of the universe is the only source of hope for us all. As a Christian, prayer is an essential ingredient to my Biblical faith, resulting in developing and deepening my relationship with the Lord. Because of this truth embedded in who I am, the single most important thing I do in my life is pray.

 

So, my first reaction to any individual or global tragic news is to pray, because it is my belief that this broken world and all who live in it are under the authority of a Great God who is compassionate and kind and concerned for us all.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

 

I believe communication with our Creator is not just about sharing platitudes, but rather committing to something I am called to do constantly.

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 6:18 (NIV)

 

I believe that when I approach the throne of God, I crack open the power and provision of our Heavenly Father- and there’s simply nothing passive about that. It is through prayer I find grace, guidance, instruction, strength, conviction, motivation, and ultimately peace in knowing I am entrusting people’s needs into the mighty hands of a God who saves, who loves, who cares for all His people.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

 

I am entrusting people’s needs into the mighty hands of a God who saves, who loves, who cares for all His people.

Click To Tweet

 

And I have full confidence my prayers will be heard.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14 (NIV)

 

When I commit to praying for people who are enduring a situation that feels impossible, I believe the greatest source of strength and power, healing and victory, are in and through Christ, not me. 

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

 

When I pray for those who are suffering, I place their care in the hands of the great Comforter who carries our burdens and brings us rest for our souls.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28- (NIV)

 

I pray when I am crushed with grief for people’s plight and I trust The Holy Spirit intercedes for me, knowing exactly what the people I am praying for need. 

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 (NIV)

 

When I commune with Christ on other people’s behalf, I feel I am giving them the greatest gift of all- requesting the care and comfort of their Maker who knows them best of all. My supplication is for God to protect them in the blaze of their fires and buoy them up in the raging rivers of their lives, the only way He knows how. 

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.   
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

 

When I see anything or anyone in dire dilemmas, there’s nothing more powerful to me than to seek my lifeline, my anchor in hope, and my resource for guidance and strength. For without it, I am powerless to do much else.

I believe in a God who wants more than anything to hear from me, from you, from all His people, and I know He hears our pleas.

Evening, morning and noon
    I cry out in distress,
    and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17 (NIV)

 

I believe in a God who wants more than anything to hear from me, from you, from all His people, and I know He hears our pleas.

Click To Tweet

 

From my prayers, there will be revelations for me in what to do next. That might mean packing my bags and traveling to an afflicted community to serve. It might mean calling my government officials to demand action. It might mean donating to an important cause or writing an encouraging note to someone who is suffering. There are countless assignments God calls me to do in response to my petitions, but I will never know how He can use me best until I pray and ask for God’s instruction.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

 

As a Christian, my faith is dead without works. I live my life in a deep conviction of this truth, so wherever God leads, I will go, I will give, I will serve, I will sacrifice, I will speak, I will act.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-26 (NIV)

 

Oftentimes, I will not announce publicly what I am doing, because I am not doing it for praise or attention, for my actions are not done in vain. God knows and that is enough.

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1 (NIV)

 

And there will be times where I feel led to stay still and remain in prayer and trust that the Lord will step in and move how He moves according to His will for people’s lives.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

 

So please understand that I am behind those prayers, fueled with compassion and distress, just like you. I want many things you want and I’m passionate about change too. There’s so much we must do to make a difference in this world. Help is needed everywhere and I am ready to dive in, too. This is why prayer is so important to a believer like me. I seek my Lord first for help because I believe it’s the greatest source of help there is for us all.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV) 

 

Why do Christians pray in response to horrible headlines? Let me explain.

Click To Tweet

 

PIN THIS IMAGE

Why do Christians pray?

 

Author Signature

Filed Under: Encouragement in Expression, Encouragement in Faith Tagged With: Bible verses, Christ, Christianity, Encouragement in Faith, god, Hope, Jesus, Pray, Prayer, Scripture

Comments

  1. Kim Sisto Robinson says

    November 3, 2019 at 9:01 am

    **When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
    and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
    When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.** Love this ONE so much! I’ve written in several cards I’ve sent. 🙂

    Chris, you are a woman to look up to, a role model, a quiet, Powerful voice for God.

    When you say “I will PRAY,” you mean it!

    You know what I do now? When somebody asks me to pray for them, I do it immediately, so I don’t forget! (Wherever I am) He hears. He knows I may be in the grocery line!

    I got emotional reading this because several of these verses saved me.

    Love. Hugs. More. from MN. xxoo

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      November 3, 2019 at 9:38 am

      Oh, Kim, how I love you so…

      That one particular verse is POWERFUL, isn’t it?

      Deeply grateful God’s promises saved you, beloved friend.

      (And I pray immediately too! ANYWHERE.)

      Reply
  2. lisa thomson says

    November 3, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    Chris, this is so beautifully written and expressed. I can’t believe people would judge harshly your or any Christian’s prayers! That is wrong. Praying is a way to soothe the mind and take some control over events when we feel helpless. This: “Oftentimes, I will not announce publicly what I am doing, because I am not doing it for praise or attention, for my actions are not done in vain. God knows and that is enough.” You are a beautiful person and sharing your faith is a gift you are giving to all of us.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      November 7, 2019 at 10:26 am

      Lisa, your beautiful words of encouragement and your support mean so much to me! It’s an unfortunate reality that many don’t understand the importance of prayer, so I do hope this helps clarify and explain it all a bit more.

      Reply
  3. Shannon Alford says

    November 3, 2019 at 2:41 pm

    Excellent, Christine. Thank you for sharing this!

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      November 7, 2019 at 10:24 am

      Aw, thank you, Shannon! I appreciate you taking the time to comment! I hope you are doing well, my friend. XOXO

      Reply
  4. Candace Playforth says

    November 3, 2019 at 4:31 pm

    This is so perfectly stated, Chris. What an important explanation in this day and time. Thank you, my friend. I will certainly share this with others.

    I absolutely love how you share prayer is your first step, not the only one! I’ve so wanted people to understand that important point. And yes, our prayers so often help steer us into what that important next action is, whether it’s donating, giving our time…

    I hope your beautiful words here enlighten the many people who need to hear them. XO!

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      November 7, 2019 at 10:23 am

      Candace, I’m so grateful for your beautiful response. I know you get this message! Your encouragement and support mean the world to me.

      I sure hope this “helps enlighten the many people who need to hear them” too. XOXO

      Reply
  5. Ricky says

    November 3, 2019 at 6:26 pm

    Strong encouragement steeped in scripture. Thank you!

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      November 7, 2019 at 10:13 am

      Aw, thanks so much, sweet Cuz! I love you. XO

      Reply
  6. Janine Huldie says

    November 4, 2019 at 6:50 am

    What can I say, but beautifully and perfectly said as to why we do say and what we actually mean when we discuss praying for certain tragical and distressing reasons. Hugs and thanks for sharing here.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      November 7, 2019 at 10:13 am

      A simple prayer can open up the Heavens and allow God to do His work. It’s an incredible thing, really.
      I hope it helps clear up misunderstandings for some. Thanks so much for reading this and for your support, Janine! XOXO

      Reply
  7. Hillary says

    November 4, 2019 at 2:38 pm

    This was full of beautiful Bible quotes, and with their help and His grace you elucidated your points so well – a beautiful, encouraging, and educational post.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      November 7, 2019 at 10:11 am

      Aw, thank you so much for coming by to read this, Hillary! I truly appreciate your encouragement and support. XOXO

      Reply
  8. Tamara says

    November 4, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    This is so beautiful. Especially since I’m not Christian and not religious, and I still find myself praying as well. Thank you.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      November 7, 2019 at 10:10 am

      I love that you pay as well, Tamara. I see your spiritual side all. the. time. And it’s beautiful. <3

      Reply
  9. Julie Jo Severson says

    November 6, 2019 at 8:30 am

    “I seek my Lord first” says it all and everything about you and other Christians who are walking the talk. I love you. You are a light in this world. Sometimes I get overwhelmed because there is just so much to pray about and not enough hours in the day. Which prayer requests do I focus on? But then I heard the phrase “prayer arrows.” I’ve grown up thinking that the prayer doesn’t really count unless you light a candle and set aside 20 minutes to do it. But I’m learning that, while it is important for our faith lives to try and set aside that time, those quick little “prayer arrows” sent up throughout our busy day, while taking a shower, pouring sweet-n-low in my coffee, waiting at a red light, riding an escalator, walking through a crowded lobby, filling up a grocery cart, placing a pound of ground beef in the microwave, brushing my teeth . . . do count! I needed to learn that. That there’s no right or wrong way of praying, that all we have to do is go to Him just as we are and wherever we are.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      November 7, 2019 at 10:09 am

      Ah, Julie, I pray everywhere anytime TOO!! I worried this post would portray an image of me looking like I have a halo on my head while sitting near an altar with incense and worship music playing, hands raised high for hours- but the beauty of prayer is that God does all that work, not us. We just simply need to reach out and talk to Him, just as we are, right where we are. The Holy work comes only through Him.

      Reply
  10. Jeff says

    November 26, 2019 at 10:13 pm

    A very good explanation. Thanks! There’s always been that argument some make as to why pray if God already knows everything, but we pray out of obedience and out of turning a listening ear to God, which you point out in how prayer can lead to action. Well done.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      December 10, 2019 at 8:09 am

      Thank you, Jeff! I really appreciate you reading this message and your supportive response! Praying those who need clarity and understanding will read it and perhaps open their heart to these truths…

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow on Bloglovin

Subscribe to Blog


 

Recent Posts

  • Parenting a High School Senior and Soon-to-be Graduate
  • What I’ve Learned About Parenting Teens In A Pandemic
  • Have You Read The Greatest Story Ever Told?
  • I’m Thankful for the Power of Gratitude
  • For Mother’s Day, I Just Want Everything and Everyone to Be Okay

My Books Sold on Amazon!

Follow Jesus by Christine Carter   Help and Hope While You Are Healing by Christine Carter

Archives

Places I’ve Been Published

the mom cafe

Recommended Reading List

  The Mom Cafe Recommended Reading List  

Legal Stuff

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Affiliate Disclosure

Copyright © 2023 · Design by Fabulous Blogging · WordPress · Log in