Amid national sorrow, a heated debate has emerged over the value of prayer following a deadly school shooting in Minneapolis.

According to The Christian Post, the conversation intensified after two children were killed and 17 others injured at Annunciation Catholic School, prompting faith leaders to defend the role of prayer amid sharp political criticism.

The shooting took place on Wednesday at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Authorities identified the shooter as a trans-identified individual, though full details about the motive and circumstances remain under investigation. The tragedy has left the local community reeling and ignited national conversations on both violence and religious response.

Political figures question the role of prayer

In the hours following the shooting, multiple political figures expressed dismay over the use of “thoughts and prayers” as a response to tragedy. Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “Prayer is not freaking enough.”

Psaki elaborated that while people have the right to pray, prayer alone fails to end the cycle of school shootings. She added that prayer does not provide real safety for parents or resurrect the children tragically lost in these attacks.

Her comments drew a swift rebuke from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who labeled Psaki’s statements as “incredibly insensitive.” Leavitt emphasized the emotional importance prayer holds for grieving families and religious communities.

Religious voices defend the power of prayer

Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Ministries responded publicly on Thursday via the social platform X. He invoked Scripture and called Psaki’s criticism misguided, saying that “those who criticize prayer could not be more mistaken.”

“No truer thing could be said about our nation right now than this: we need prayer,” Laurie wrote. Reflecting on the tragic moment that children were struck while praying, Laurie pointed to biblical figures like Christ and Stephen, who also prayed under duress and in their final moments.

Laurie added, “America desperately needs a spiritual awakening,” and cited 2 Chronicles 7:14 to encourage fellow believers to continue in prayer, regardless of public opinion or political commentary.

Franklin Graham responds through social media

On Friday, Rev. Franklin Graham, head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, took to Facebook to address the growing controversy. He specifically called out Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and others on the political left for rejecting calls to pray after the tragedy.

“Your words do not change or diminish the power and importance of prayer,” Graham declared. He explained that prayer is not a shield against tragedy but a direct form of communication with the divine.

Graham continued by quoting Hebrews 4:16, writing, “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 highlights the spiritual dimensions of tragedy

The pastor went on to say that God can comfort grieving families and intervene in ways unseen. “God does see, God does hear, and God can intervene,” Graham stated.

He noted that even Jesus prayed in His final hours, reinforcing the place of prayer during moments of suffering. Graham identified Satan as the source of such violence, describing him as the one who “wants to steal, kill, and destroy.”

Further emphasizing biblical prophecy, Graham wrote, “One day Jesus Christ will return, and every knee will bow. He will wipe away every tear, and peace will come upon this world.”

Faith leaders vow continued commitment to prayer

Despite strong opposition, Graham affirmed his intention to continue promoting prayer. “I will continue to encourage people to pray,” he said, warning that dismissing prayer only plays into the hands of evil.

Addressing Mayor Frey directly, Graham said, “I hope that you will come to know the price that was paid for your sins and that you will understand the value of prayer in your own life.”

As the nation seeks answers and healing, the debate over faith and public policy continues to unfold, revealing deep divides in how Americans respond to tragedy.