These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. Isaiah 29:13
A minister asked AI to write a prayer of praise to God—and it sounded perfect. But was it praise? Not even close.
The minister typed in this prompt: ” … compose a 30-second prayer to God … in praise to the glory of God’s grace.” This is what he got: “Gracious Father, we bow before you, the sovereign Lord of history and redemption. From eternity passed you purposed to lavish grace upon undeserving sinners through the blood of your beloved son. We praise you for the glory of your mercy, unearned, unmeasured, made manifest in Christ crucified and risen. May our lives redeemed and sanctified by your spirit be vessels of praise to the riches of your grace. To you be glory forever and ever, amen.” “That’s a machine,” the minister said. “Is that praise? NO!” [1]
But technology isn’t the problem here.
In Bible times, God said, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote” (Isaiah 29:13). Yes, a computer can follow coded rules and create a prayer—but only the human heart can offer praise to God.
Ever thought God was impressed by fancy prayers? He’s not. God designed us to be like Him and He is a feeling Being. We were created to recognize and respond to the beauty of God’s grace—His generous love, forgiveness, and kindness that we don’t earn. We’re here to respond to that love from the heart.
God’s not listening for performance. He’s listening for your heart—let prayers of praise come from the real you.
[1] “John Piper Asked ChatGPT.” YouTube, uploaded by The Gospel Coalition, 23 Apr. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIMZH7DEPPQ. Accessed 3 June 2025.
