Unhelpful Things People Say In Risk # 4

"Flippant and simplistic answers demonstrate a lack of willingness to enter into the other. This is the opposite of loving our neighbor.“

-Anna Hampton

"Just pray about it."

This series is based on real statements really heard in risk situations.

Paul's admonition to "Pray without ceasing" (I Thess 5:17) means that we are to go about our lives in constant awareness of God's presence in our lives, His desire for invitation and involvement in every personal detail.  James teaches we are to regularly ask God for advice (James 1:5). 

Sometimes God wants to use another person to give advice to us! 

When a worker facing risk shares a challenge or problem, it means they are needing to make a decision and are asking for help in discernment.  This is itself a prayerful action - seeking wise counsel. To answer with "Just pray about it" is a flippant answer and totally ignores the Biblical injunction of asking for advice from others (I Kings 12:6-19; Ps 1:1-6; Prov 1:7; 3:1-35; 11:14; 12:15; 13:10; 15:22;19:20-22; 20:18; 28:26; I Jn 4:1).

Perhaps it would be better as member care providers and shepherd leaders to assume our sheep have prayed about it - they are, after all, global workers.  Instead, ask: 

• "How would you like me/us to pray?" or 

• "What specifically are you needing advice about," and 

• "How can we seek God together for his answer?" instead of giving the easy and glib answer. 

Risk is confusing and complicated, but it is also an honor and an opportunity to be stewarded for His glory and the advancing His Kingdom.