It always fascinates me when folks who don’t have a theological bone in their body pretend they know what prayer is actually for—a kind of rub-the-lamp, get-what-you-want, penny toss into the make-a-wish fountain. Their cluelessness knows no bounds.

Prayer is more about aligning our own thoughts and desires with those of God (Colossians 3:1-2). The fact that masses of people don’t do that—instead, reducing the Almighty to a heavenly vending machine whom they kick when the candy doesn’t drop—is a serious problem.

Even Jesus, when he was on the cross, prayed three times, yet he still suffered. He still died. Clearly, prayer for him during that ordeal was not about his own protection or self-preservation. It was about something else entirely.

So, prayer doesn’t magically erase suffering. It doesn’t mean we’ll never hurt again. At its core, prayer is lifting our hearts to God—especially in moments of crisis or deep pain.

Thankfully, Vice President J. D. Vance today called out various political pundits and operatives for criticizing the use of prayer in response to tragedies. “Literally no one thinks prayer is a substitute for action,” he said. “We pray because our hearts are broken, and we believe that God is listening.”

Amen. And here’s an obvious thought that’s easy to overlook. Had the shooter been praying along the lines of Colossians 3:1-2, he wouldn’t have shot anyone. So, yes, prayer “works.” But, as they say in AA, it only works if you work it.

All that said, don’t forget in the midst of yet another media kerfuffle that there are families who are grieving an indescribable loss right now.

Maybe even pray for them.