"The mass is sitting vor their PC's, hastily typing #pray, posting graphics, rebuking everyone who isn't doing it, believing that they will change the world through their Hashtagtherapies. What happend is terrible, no question. Showing sympathies and to talk about it is important, but to introduce Hashtags with the word #pray in situation full of fear and sorrow, is something absurd and makes me feel uncomfortable."
I don't know if that was written by the person oneself or if it was qouted.
But I myself did posted a graphic together with a psalm and I do really hope that people see the meaning of #pray
1. It's NOT about the Hashtag #pray
2.I doubt, that the people are believing that they will change the world through Hashtags
3. It's NOT ONLY about Paris!
Sometimes, when terrible things are happening very close to us, people are touched more and also maybe a little afraid.
We DO know that there are awful things happening all around the world all the time! But we can't be in grief all the time, we would be depressed after a very short time.
But now something happend so close. It shocks.
Therefore
...are people posting so many things on Facebook.
I do understand the hashtag #pray as a request and as a calling!
And honestly? I am very happy about this Hashtag..It shows the especially the western world is embossed by christian values, that we're having a christian past, present and future. A world that PRAYS. That we know that Prayer matters!
#pray
pray...for Paris...for the Lebanon (Beirut)...for Iraq...for Syria...(it would be best to pray for all countries)...for all the affiliated...for the governments...for the police...for hospitals...for the schools...
That's what the Hashtag is about! In our thoughts we are again and again with all the innocent people who had to give their lifes, because there are people in this world whose hearts are full of hatred and bitterness. Bottomless hatred against mankind. Hatred against people who have a free and different opinion. They don't only hate Christians or Atheists, but also everyone else who is not part of the ISIS.
There is no understanding for it. But...pray for the terrorists..
Whoops! (what are you talking about Missy?.. you might think)
I really mean it this way. It says in Matthew 5,44 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you "
When Jesus says, love them he means: see that they were created in God's image. Because of free will it happens, that people have a worldview which ends in hate, envy and violence.
But when we pray for those who have a heart full of hatred and bitterness, who have a manipulated worldview, bringing violence in the world, then we are a part of a worldwide movement.
Prayer matters, moves and changes. It is truly powerful.
Nothing is impossible for God. (If he makes everything we ask him is something else.. but that's a different topic)
Imagine million people praying for changed hearts, for peace and love in the world. What difference would it make. What difference is it already!
Don't only show sympathie, Don't only write down #pray. PRAY and TAKE ACTION by loving you neighbour!
Prayer, loving the neighbour and social cohesion are the only things we (especially the population) can really do right now.
In a situation full of fear and sorrow: PRAY
That's all what it is about!
Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
For you are not a God who is pleased with wrongdoing;
with you, evil people are not welcome.
Psalm 5, 2-4