Chanting for Safety

According to Gloria Copeland: “Psalm 91 has kept many a person safe during all kinds of danger and war. For instance, Ken knew a commander in the Vietnam War who made all his troops quote Psalm 91 every day—whether they liked it or not. It paid off! His company didn't have one casualty.

“I also heard a similar testimony about a group of soldiers in World War II from a very small town named Seadrift, Texas. Every day the women of Seadrift prayed Psalm 91 over those men and as a result, all returned home safely. What a miracle! “ (Copeland, “Believers Voice of Victory,” October 2003).

The Lord has certainly furnished us with many examples of His merciful and divine protection, particularly in wartime. The Copelands, however, have continued to teach that the prayer of faith (as they define it) is a force which can be utilized by individuals to bring riches, unceasing health, and controlled miracles. In Copeland’s first example, it is reasonable to conclude that not all the troops coerced to pray Psalm 91 were believers. Consequently, to unbelievers, their “prayers” are nothing more than repetition and we would do well to heed the admonition of Matthew:6:7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
See All.... "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking" -Matthew:6:7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
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As with most stories, Copeland provides no documentation. How different is the testimony of scripture. When the Lord miraculously healed the lame man “whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple” (Acts:3:2-11 [2] And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; [3] Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. [4] And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. [5] And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. [6] Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. [7] And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. [8] And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. [9] And all the people saw him walking and praising God: [10] And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. [11] And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
See All...), the religious leaders who resisted the preaching of Peter and John had no lack of evidence. “And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it” (Acts:4:14And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
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