Montana Residents Criticize Governor Gianforte for Praying for Rain

This past Friday on May 15th, Governor Gianforte took to Facebook with a special (and personal) ask for Montanans.

"This Sunday, I hope all Montanans will join me in praying for rain as drought conditions intensify across Montana," Governor Gianforte said in his post. "Prayer is the most powerful tool we have."

"I ask all who are faithful to come to God with thanks and pray."

Montanans Roast Governor Gianforte for Praying for Rain

Look, I get it - it's the internet where comment sections aren't for the weak and someone is always looking to troll somebody.

But this man, our governor, was simply asking those who do believe in prayer, to pray for the betterment of Montana. He didn't say anyone had to believe in God, he didn't ask those who don't believe in prayer to all of a sudden start praying.

ALSO READ: 10 Written FCC Complaints from Montana About Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Performance

Despite that, he triggered a wave of sarcastic and antagonistic responses.

"Is there a certain number of people who have to pray before God will let it rain? Does someone in Missouri praying count as much as someone in Montana praying?," one person sarcastically asked.

"If someone prays that it doesn’t rain, does that cancel out someone praying that it doesn’t rain? Do we have to confirm, by posting on Facebook, that we prayed for it to rain?"

"The phrase Separation of Church and State is in a letter by Jefferson. It encouraged the govt to stay out of churches," another wrote.

"Is this satire?" another asked.

Get our free mobile app

Another person took it a little further, comparing prayer to a flash mob.

"Maybe we need to organize a flash mob rain dance? I bet that would work."

What's Montana's Beef with the Governor Praying?

This isn't about making a believer out of anyone; that's up to you. But where is the respect? What do those comments actually accomplish?

There were other comments on that post that minimized prayer and focused on public policy issues, the economy, etc. In my opinion, that's okay! At least people are shifting away from what they don't believe in the form of prayer to addressing an issue they do believe in.

No attacks, just asking the governor about issues they care about and how they will achieve them.

Not everyone has to believe in the power of prayer but isn't America all about freedom of religion as much as it's about freedom of speech?

Just because you don't share the same beliefs as someone doesn't mean you have to be rude or disrespectful toward the person about it.

As a matter of fact, I was told at one point in my career to refrain from extending thoughts and prayers using the word "we." As troubling as it was to hear there are actual human beings who wouldn't want to be associated with wishing a recently killed person's family the best in the form of thoughts or prayers, I had to respect the decision.

READ MORE: Bad News for Montanans Waiting for Trump T1 Mobile Phones

If they don't want to be associated with me praying for someone's family and giving them my personal thoughts of well-wishes, that's okay for them to do so - it's their right just as much as it's mine to pray for the betterment of anything or anyone.

I'm not going to be a jerk about it. Why can't some Montanans offer the same courtesy up to someone like the governor of our state? What's wrong with showing a little respect?

I often wonder what goes through someone's head after they hit "Publish" or "Send."

Does commenting with hate accomplish anything? Do those people feel empowered? Is that how they get fulfillment?

If so, I'll pray for them.

Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts with me HERE.