How are you?
Good?
Bad?
Sad, scared, lonely, happy, hopeful, joyful, etc.
Wonderful questions, but I am always puzzled why we don't ask these questions of each other in church.
I already know the answer: It is because it is easier to ask them on an electronic forum like Christian Chat (Thank God for this forum, by the way. It's the only time I can find someone willing to talk about God. I can't even do that in church!).
For example, if I were to respond by saying, "I am struggling with anger all the time," how would you react?
"I've lost my wife, my son, my business, and my best friend," I would continue. "And all this happened before COVID-19!"
You see, most people in a church setting are never going to ask those questions. It is easier to just say, "Hi, how's it going," while passing the other person by as quickly as possible.
Going to "church" is an event. It has evolved into being on par with going to the movies or sitting in on a city council meeting. You would never ask the above questions in these settings because they are too personal; and being in a church is no different.
But there are still those gullible people like me who go up to the front after the service is over, or we fill out the little prayer request card. After spilling your guts out to the Head Supreme CEO Pastor, you receive a canned, 90-second prayer. And then, of course, the inevitable, "I'll be praying for ya!" TAKE IT AWAY, GOD!
I'm not saying this to dress you down in any way. In fact, kudos for having the guts to ask these questions, even if it is on an electronic community forum. It shows you that you are a true Christian brother who cares more about people than religion.
I just hope that whenever someone gives you an honest, heartfelt answer that you don't just respond with, "I will pray for you."
I would hope that you would be one of the very few who are kind enough to follow up, even if it's only once.