It’s flood season in the Upper Midwest and once again, some clergy are leading their flocks in the praying of false prayers. Breckenridge residents gather at the river to pray
“Shut up the waters of heaven, so that the rains will not cover the land,” said Pastor Terry Tilton, of United Methodist Church in Breckenridge. “Lord, we ask that you continue to protect and watch over us … and guard us from destruction and keep us safe,” said the Rev. Leo Moenkedick, of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Pardon the expression, but what the hell are these guys thinking? Why are they perpetuating the notion that God has a hand at the weather settings for the planet? If they lived in Seattle or San Francisco or Mexico City I doubt they would be praying, “God, please don’t let earth’s tectonic plates squeeze together anymore to cause these terrible earthquakes. We have enough mountains and valleys, and the continents are fine now just the way they are.” Yet for some reason, these religious leaders think that rain and floods and storms are subject to divine intervention, subject to prodding from us mere mortals. Do they think God lives up there in the sky someplace?
It amazes me that in times of weather extremes and natural disasters, some clergy conveniently forget that they also believe God created this amazingly wonderful and complex planet, including its weather systems. Essentially, with prayers like these, they’re implying that God has screwed up. “We know what kind of weather is best for us, Lord, so listen up.”
The problem with these false prayers is that they convey to people that similarly false prayers are appropriate: “God, please let the stock market come back up. Don’t let my daughter marry that lout. Bring me more investors. Help me win my golf match today. Make my spouse treat me better. Get me a good job.”
Instead, these clergy should be leading prayers like, “Help us see how we can work together and support one another” or “We’re in awe of the power, beauty, and wonder of your creation.”
Earlier this week I read a quote by a woman in Breckenridge who said, “We really thought we’d get away with it this year. But if you are going to live on the river, it’s the price you pay.” Right on, baby.