Back in 2008, amidst the buzz of “Hope and Change,” I was just another college student sipping overpriced coffee and soaking up new ideas. Much to the dismay of my traditional Southern family, I found myself politically awakened, transforming from the sweet church girl they remembered into someone who leaned more toward the progressive side.
Fast forward seven years post-9/11, and I, like many others, felt the weight of the world. With loved ones deployed in the War on Terror, a shaky economy, and student loans climbing higher than ever, the concept of hope felt like a distant dream.
I dove into the political landscape, championing a young senator’s campaign with passion. We were energetic and determined, engaging in voter outreach and even managing to secure an MTV interview for our efforts against voter suppression. The backlash was immediate and overwhelming. Family and friends reached out, expressing their “concerns” over my newfound activism, as if I had strayed from the path of righteousness.
I quickly learned that for many in my community, being a good Christian meant staying out of politics. I was urged to keep my political opinions quiet, to “let go and let God,” and to focus on prayer instead of action. The prevailing sentiment seemed to be that social issues could be resolved through prayer alone.
Don’t get me wrong; I believe in prayer. I pray frequently and deeply value its power. The notion of simply voting quietly and praying away problems seems appealing, especially when it can save a lot of stress and confrontation. It would be wonderful to embrace a politics of “I’ll pray for you,” but the reality is that easy solutions rarely lead to meaningful change.
Now, I have to speak candidly to those who favor this hands-off approach: We can no longer be the “Pray It Away People.” In these times, as marginalized communities face increasing challenges, how will we respond? Jesus called us to help those in need, not simply offer up prayers while remaining passive.
Too often, our prayers become a token gesture tossed into a wishing well of suffering. “I’ll pray for you, LGBTQ+ community.” plunk “I’ll pray for you, families in poverty.” plunk “I’ll pray for you, refugees.” plunk While prayer is powerful, it cannot be our only response. God has given us the tools to act, and we must utilize them.
Consider this equation: Prayer + Action = Real Change. When Jesus encountered those in need, he tended to their immediate struggles before offering spiritual solace. He healed, fed, and supported those who sought his help. Did anyone ever approach him only to be met with, “I’ll pray for you”?
In times of crisis—children stranded at sea or entire cities facing destruction—prayer alone is insufficient. When a woman experiences domestic abuse and is met with indifference instead of assistance, mere prayer falls flat.
While I have faith in the transformative power of prayer, I question whether it has become a convenient excuse for inaction. Are we using it to avoid our responsibilities to those who suffer?
You should absolutely pray for refugees, but that must accompany active efforts to welcome them. It’s essential to pray for the poor while also sharing what you have. You can pray for your leaders, but don’t shy away from challenging unjust policies.
So, pray your hearts out—but then, get up and take action. Find a way to serve your community. Engage politically. Your presence and voice are needed now more than ever.
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Summary
In this article, we challenge the notion that prayer alone is sufficient in addressing social issues. As Christians, we are called to not only pray but also take concrete actions to support those in need. By engaging politically and serving our communities, we can create meaningful change and honor our commitment to love and support others.