A Minneapolis Tragedy

Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis became the target of a school shooting on Wednesday, August 28, 2025. No doubts folks will blame guns, laws, politicians, Christians, and a myriad of other forces in and against society.

But what if the cause is due to our society falling away from godly values? Over the next several days I plan to spend some time reflecting on this shooting, among others, in our world today. I’m not going to argue or diminish other viewpoints. I’m honestly seeking wisdom from God. I've heard some say, where is God? How could He let this happen?

But I wonder what would God say to those of us who belong to His church. Those of us who claim to be His. What does He want from me? Where have I failed to stand morally?

My first reflection goes back in time. In the early 1960’s I can remember my grandma, born in 1895, rallying the troops (her family and friends) to write letters to their politicians to fight against Madalyn O’Hair. You may not have heard of this woman, but you can put her name in your search engine.

*Wikipedia tells us that “Madelyn Murray O’Hair was an American activist supporting atheism, separation of church and state and feminism.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madalyn_Murray_O'Hair

She brought a legal case against a Baltimore school stating that mandatory prayer in school was unconstitutional. In 1962, the United States Supreme Court ruled organized prayer and religious activities violated the First Amendment. This landmark decision found that organized, government-sponsored prayer and religious activities in public schools violated the First Amendment of our Constitution. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_prayer_in_the_United_States

My grandma was “spit-fire” mad when she would discuss this tragedy. I was only about 5 and this is a core memory for me. I would never know prayer in schools as a morning ritual. But I can tell you, there has always been prayer in school! As long as prayer was a value held in the family, children pray in school. When they're scared, anxious, taking a test. My point is, when children are brought up to believe in God, to trust in Him, they will turn to Him in times of need.

Prayer is our most valuable asset as a Christian. It’s not just nice words hoping to comfort those in need. But it IS calling on God to release His powerful angels to fight a battle of unseen forces. It is asking the One who has all power, wisdom, strength and might to change our circumstances, to bring His peace upon a people who are living in darkness in this world. Prayer is necessary.

Maybe we are witnessing the results of the generations who missed that foundational prayer said at the start of the school day. A common practice before it was removed by the Supreme Court in 1962. Sixty-three years ago; at least 3-4 generations of children raised in schools without prayer.

Could this be one of the reasons that we are seeing more violence in our communities today?

Lord, have we been too apathetic with the standards of living that you've given to this nation to carry into this world? Did you call us to be a city on a hill? A light in the darkness? Please forgive me, forgive your church for giving an inch to the enemy. And now we wonder why we are seeing so much darkness.

Lord, we pray that you will save us. Lead us back to you! Show us where we have gone wrong. Lead us in the ways of righteousness. This is my prayer.

We lift up the families of those who are dealing with the horrific tragedy at the school and in the Minneapolis park this week. Pour out your comfort and peace upon broken, scared hearts. We lift these little children and their families up to you, knowing fully well that you alone are able to meet them in their time of need. Father, we pray for our cities and nation today. Cover us with your faithfulness. Protect us in your love. Lead us, we pray. Bring us back to you. In your precious name,Jesus, we pray. Amen.