CQQ #36: Prayer as a Cop-Out...?

"Heavenly Father, I pray a cheeseburger falls into that homeless person's lap."

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[WARNING: Before jumping to any conclusions, please read this entire blog entry for proper context.]

A cop-out is an instance of avoiding a responsibility or commitment, typically with some poor excuse behind it.

For instance, you could say that Jonah "copped out" when he tried to flee to Tarshish to avoid his God-given task of delivering a prophetic warning to the city of Nineveh.

A number of people might treat prayer the same way. Many are quick to pray for others in need, yet so very few seem to actually care to get involved when it is in their power to do so. For instance, giving to the poor, donating to services, lending an ear to those having a bad day, or providing help of whatever kind to whoever is in need.

And I think we've all been guilty of this before.

What would the church be if all everyone did was pray and do nothing? It's like a crowded room with every member saying, "I hope you get the help you need", and none of them offering their help. It's a prayer left unanswered.

Imagine if you were thirsty with no money and you came across a church having a picnic with plenty of bottled waters in a cooler, and the people around you just said, "I hope you get the water you need", and none of them bothered to get you a bottle.

Or worse, imagine if you were injured and bleeding on the ground and every person passing by you just said, "I hope someone calls for help and you get the medical attention you need". Think that sounds too extreme? Then you aren't familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan (see Luke 10:25-37).


This is what James meant when he said "faith without works is dead"; he was not talking about our salvation but rather referring to actions in support of what one believes. It's like that old saying, "actions speak louder than words". Anyone can claim to believe that it's right to help the needy, yet our own unwillingness to help when we're able to and supposed to will say otherwise. Actions are the evidence of our hearts.

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:15-17 ESV)


Many people may use prayer to express the appearance of being involved without actually being involved, which, in turn, accomplishes nothing but passing down the responsibility to someone else. Sure, God may choose to answer prayer directly, but He does have a history of sending people out for a reason. Why else would talents exist if not to serve others in some way?

In a way, it's like going to a restaurant to order take-out and every employee just passes down your order to the next employee, and none of them are able to decide who's going bring you your order. Makes no sense, right? You're left hungry and you're forced to look elsewhere, because you know a meal isn't going to magically fall from the sky and onto your lap (or there's at least an incredibly low chance of that happening). Sometimes that's what it feels like when we're unable to get the help we actually need, the kind of help that requires the aid or assistance of other people.


"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, 
when it is in your power to do it." (Proverbs 3:27 ESV)

However, before anyone entertains the idea that they're being guilt-tripped in all this, bear in mind the keywords here, "in your power". Reality is, we can't fix every mess in the world. And prayer is not a last resort either, nor something to belittle. After all, prayer is a big part of our relationship with God, and He does certainly work wonders according to His will. But we must also be willing to discern when it is time to wait and when it is time to act.

While it is good to believe in the power of prayer (because yes, miracles do happen), faith is not simply a mere waiting game for someone else to do all the work for you. Faith requires action to back up what you believe, especially when you know the ball is in your court. And if you know the Spirit is moving you, don't ignore it.

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Curious Questions to Consider:

Do you think prayer is sometimes used as a cop-out?

Have you ever tried to escape a responsibility or commitment? Was there a time when you've made excuses to escape doing something you should've done?

How can you discern when it is time to wait and when it is time to take action?

Have you ever felt frustrated when you couldn't find good help?

What do you do when it seems your prayers are left unanswered?

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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.

Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding prayer. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.


God bless and thanks for sharing!

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Author's Notes:

Cover image courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio.

(Written on March 15, 2020.)

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