Greg Laurie and Franklin Graham Defend Power of Prayer After Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting

In the aftermath of Wednesday's tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School that left two children dead and 17 others wounded, two nationally recognized Christian leaders have spoken out in defense of prayer after public figures dismissed its effectiveness.

Pastor Greg Laurie, founder of Harvest Christian Fellowship, emphasized the enduring power of prayer even in moments of great suffering. "Those who criticize prayer could not be more mistaken," Laurie said. "Yes, it is heartbreaking that children were praying when they were shot in the Church in Minneapolis. Yet let us remember that Christ Himself prayed as He was crucified, Stephen prayed as he was martyred, and countless other courageous Christians lifted their voices to God in their final moments of life."

Laurie added, "America desperately needs a spiritual awakening," pointing to the biblical promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Echoing this message, Rev. Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and CEO of Samaritan's Purse, addressed recent remarks from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who wrote on X: "Don't just say we need thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally in a church praying."

"God does see, God does hear, and God can intervene," Graham responded in a statement on Facebook. Quoting Hebrews 4:16, he added: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Graham further pointed to the example of Jesus, noting, "The Bible tells us that Jesus Himself prayed fervently when He was facing death on the cross."

Both leaders underscored that the tragedy in Minneapolis should not diminish prayer, but rather call the nation to a deeper reliance on it.

 

 

Tags : Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting Greg Laurie Franklin Graham