Pray for what, Mr. Speaker, after latest mass shooting?

The response of our newly elected Speaker of the House to the recent mass shooting was that “Prayer is appropriate in a time like this, that the evil can end and this senseless violence can stop.”

Please, Mr. Johnson, clarify how our prayers can best be focused.

Prayer is powerful of which there are many examples. In Matthew 18 Jesus says “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

There are a multitude of accounts of Divine Intervention in healing as well as scientific studies examining the benefits of solitary and group prayer.

But it still leaves us with the question of “What should we pray for, Mr. Johnson?”

Should we pray that the families who have lost loved ones be strong and accept God’s will, or that the school staff or business employees are willing to sacrifice their lives to stop the shooter?

What prayers need to be offered to end the “evil” and “senseless violence” that Speaker Johnson refers to? Ask God to end mental health problems? Pray that gun manufacturers will see the light and end production of large-capacity assault weapons?

Or maybe that those politicians who speak about, without acting on, ending gun violence will prioritize their constituent’s safety above their politically-partisan personality and personal needs of power, stature, and money.

Jerry Gillion

Cedar Rapids