Solving Problems, In Our Various Ways

A FRIEND OF MINE, an elderly lady, asked me for help. She wanted me to pray for her, she said. Can do, said I. Why not? No time, no money, no harm. I didn't ask her why, and what to pray for in particular, and she could detect my puzzlement. She explained that somebody had vandalized her house, spraying profane satanic messages and symbols all over it. Maybe a gang of devil worshippers, she said. Didn't know we had any around these parts, I mentioned. Oh yes, we certainly do, she assured me. She assumed she had been targeted by people who knew her, and hated her because of her progressive spiritual views. It seemed to me more likely that her Christian views would be more of a target, but didn't say anything. Her outlook is indeed progressive. She's into yoga, mindfulness, spirituality in general, with which she augments her Christian faith, above and beyond traditional dogmatic religion. So, who knows? Maybe a gang of ultra conservative Christians thinks her interest in yoga, health food, and meditation is somehow satanic, because it isn't biblical. You kever know. It takes all kinds. I asked her if she had called the police, which seemed sensible, in fact more sensible, practical and productive than my prayers could possibly be. She replied that she had not called the police, and didn't plan to, becuase, as she put it, "they wouldn't do anything anyway." How she knew that so certainly I do not know. I wanted to point out to her that by calling the police, and at least reporting the incident, the police could start being on the lookout for the vandal(s), and mabye build up a data base, and use it to nab them. But I didn't bother. I didn't detect any willingess on her part to be persauded. So she thinks my praying will be more effective than the authorities. Well, fine. But frankly, I am quite dubious about that. What should I preay for? The souls of the satanists? Or a fresh coat of paint for her house along with a nice fat check from the insurance company? I would be most likely, I think, to pray for her to change her mind, and call the police. Or at least get a dog, a big, protective, territorial outdoor dog. And maybe a firearm. Seems like a more tangible course of action, but, again, that's just me.