As published in CBN News
When it comes to gun violence, there’s a lot of talk these days about thoughts and prayers and how they simply are not enough. I agree, but that doesn’t mean people shouldn’t pray for victims.
To the contrary, for Christians—and particularly for ministers—like me, prayer is the beginning of everything. Spiritual intercession for others can be the deepest form of human bonding, the most meaningful way of expressing concern, and the means for identifying and empathizing with those who suffer. Of course, we must go beyond simply praying, but, in my opinion, it’s the best start.
In the New Testament Letter of James the Apostle, we read, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Our intentions, even as they are expressed in spiritual exercises, must be matched to practical action.