I Prayed have prayed
Lord, help us to be discerning and ask questions concerning COVID-19.
Reading Time: 4 minutes

We’re all in this together. Stay home—stay safe. We’ll get through this. It’s our new normal.

These words have been repeated so many times, you’d think they’re used for selling the latest superfood.

They’re not selling a superfood, but is it possible they’re trying to sell us something?

A Sequence of Events

[My wife] and I were playing our morning game of Sequence and drinking our coffee in early April (we’ve been playing card games before work since well before the COVID-19 chaos). Just before the news shifted to commercial, the newsperson stated, “Stay home. Stay safe.”

The commercials came on, with one after another using the phrases I mentioned above. That was the moment I first realized how often those phrases were coming at us. Of course, once you notice something like this, you can’t not see it and hear it anymore. Welcome to the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon. Perhaps my bringing it up to you will make you aware now too.

Whether the coordinated use of these phrases was some sort of nationwide scheme created by a group behind “the curtain,” or it was a simple coincidence, we’ve been primed, and it’s had a visible impact on people’s thoughts, words, and actions.

Behavioral Priming

Though its effects are controversial, psychologists, researchers, and marketers have tested behavioral priming since the middle of the 20th century.

If you’re not familiar with priming, it is the ability to influence someone’s thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors without them knowing about it, through exposing them to a previous stimulus. For example, repeating the phrase, “Stay home. Stay safe.” could be a form of priming, as it has the potential to impact the way people think (or don’t think and just do), speak, or act. . .

Consider this statement: We’re all in this together.

If you hear this over and over, and unconsciously believe it, then it means those who don’t follow the conventional recommendations aren’t in this with you. They’re outsiders. They are easy to target and hate and slander. It feels okay to treat them as outsiders because people believe they have the support of their pack to do so. [There are currently multiple videos being shared of violent public and pile-on shaming of those not wearing masks in public places.]

Or take this one: Stay home. Stay safe.

This implies that by staying home, you’re doing something that helps protect people. To not stay home then, would mean putting others at risk. It sets the stage for people to easily buy into the idea that if you don’t stay home, you’re selfish.

There’s nothing to prove this statement is accurate. Recent data says the opposite: 66% of hospitalizations in New York are from people sheltering in place.

Yet, if you asked the average person what they should do to protect themselves and others, they’d say, “I should stay home to stay safe.”

Behavioral priming can lead us to believe something is a fact even without evidence to support it. It would explain why some people feel it’s okay to throw stones at those who believe in something other than staying home. They want to slander doctors who suggest we’re actually safer being at work. Maybe their strong emotion comes from the fact that they’ve been well-primed over the past couple of months.

And finally, what about this? A new normal.

What a perfect phrase to prime you to accept a life that’s different from the life we lived up until 2020. If you believe whatever we’re told to do next is the “new normal” after hearing that phrase a thousand times, you’ll be less likely to question whatever that suggested normal might be.

What if?

I’m not suggesting this is some sort of global conspiracy, or that a group of evil-minded people decided to take advantage of the situation we’re in right now to create a different way of living. [But wait, even Speaker Nancy Pelosi has declared that it IS indeed an opportunity to advance their leftist agenda.]

It’s possible somebody simply threw a few phrases together, and they took off faster than a contradictory video on YouTube, but with far less pushback. Maybe it was just a coincidence.

I’m only asking the question, “What if?”

What if the phrases we’ve constantly heard have shaped the way we think about our actions, the way we judge others’ actions, and the way we might accept life in the future, if it becomes different from what we’ve experienced in the past?

What if there are motivations behind all of this that aren’t pure? The only way to find out is to ask questions. The weird part in it all is that once people begin asking questions, they’re often met with an onslaught of hate and anger, which makes you wonder even more if there isn’t something behind it all.

What if, by you simply asking, “What if?” you start to feel less concerned about COVID-19, and more about where we’re headed as a country?

Of course, I could be way off base with my questions. If I am, I don’t mind. I’m simply asking questions worth considering. Wisdom comes from asking questions, not from simply following along with whatever we’re told.

We all need to ask more questions rather than accept all answers.

(Excerpt from Tom Nikkola.)

How are you praying about this whole coronavirus situation?  What are you hearing God say as you pray?
Share with us below and let’s get some conversations going!

Comments (40) Print

Comments

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Clay Soules
May 30, 2020

I make it a point of listening to ..”that little voice…”
I believe that GOD gives me my awareness of the world around me, gives me my talents,and even alerts me to dangers that I do not see.
Now in this vivid-19 situation, the red flag shot up, the little voice gave me the feeling of dis-ease and I became aware that there is a faction that lives among us that is EVIL. I got the caution feeling and became aware of the power grab that those in that faction want to enslave us with.
Viruses are deadly, to be sure, but the evil that lurks in the officers of the mayors, city managers, and governors of the world that we live and work in, are far more dangerous to our way of life, to our freedoms and our own dignity and sense of responsibility, than any “bug” no matter what or where it came from!!
DO NOT BELIEVE THE HYPE! Talk to GOD, and LISTEN to HIS words! HE will give you the truth and turn you away from those who are trying to PUNK all of the nations of the world.
Pray to GOD, and hear HIS answer!!

5
Myra Porter
May 30, 2020

We (my husband and I) comment every time “we’re all in this together” is said in advertisements on TV that it sounds like brainwashing to us and that we’re NOT “all in this together”!!

We don’t need to be listening to “experts” like Fauci who can’t seem to keep their story straight!

3
BarbyC
May 29, 2020

Great article and you are not off base! The left never lets a crisis go to waste. It has been amazing to watch millions of Americans give up there freedoms so easily. They think that silly little mask is going to protect them but they say they are wearing it to protect others. From what? If you aren’t sick then you are not a threat to anyone. America has been dupped!

5
Lily Bynon
May 29, 2020

What a great well thought article..why aren’t we questioning ..learning comes from discussions..as a retired teacher I can’t understand what is happening..yes I want them to stopsaying. And repeating those phrases..you are right if you say anything enough
Except Scriptures people will follow without questioning ..it is the holocaust all over again..I am praying for an awakening of followers of Jesus and God will heal His (our) land..share this article please..

4
Tina M Mosier
May 29, 2020

I praise those who are fighting to ” get out”, and are in the leader’s attention to release us fro this phase. It is true that our leaders are attempting to shout us down to become twins to North Korea and all the Communist countries. The God of The USA is calling its people to remember that we belong to Him and not our Leaders.

3
Marlene
May 29, 2020

Benjamin Franklin quote: Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Suggest we all read his other quotes about freedom and liberty. I also suggest that we all become familiar with The Constitution of the United States, The Declaration of Independence and The Bill of Rights, so we will know What is at stake. This is the country that God has established and we must not allow some to try and destroy it and it’s people!!!
And of course, PRAY!!!! The United States of America belongs to Almighty God and we the people; not the devil and his minions!!

9
Gail olson
May 29, 2020

I am praying for myself and for the church at large to boldly proclaim the gospel with or without the mask. That we would obey God rather than man amd fulfill the great commission…that we would draw mear to God being filled with the Spirit and lead of Him to be His witnesses

7
Rochelle
May 29, 2020

Whenever I hear “Stay safe” I respond with “Thank you but I would rather “STAY FREE!”
Maybe we can do some priming of our own if we keep objecting.

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to write this article which articulates my thoughts on the situation.
I also am annoyed by the “do the loving thing” mantra. It is not being loving to cause people’s businesses to be ruined and 40 million people to be unemployed.
The death toll in suicides and people who have not received medical care for conditions other than the virus needs to be considered.
Don’t these categories of people deserve to receive love?
Father God,
I pray in the name of Jesus that You restore people’s ability to think and neutralize the spirit of fear.
Amen.

12
kathleen jentzsch
May 29, 2020

This conditioning process is something I’ve recently become aware of. It is evident on TV, Radio and social media. This priming has even become part of advertisements. I believe this is part of a nefarious agenda to control people headed up by a group of very evil people. Included in their plan is the current coronavirus plague and worldwide lockdown. As Christians we need to fervently pray against these sinful intentions and ask Almighty God to intercede.

11
Julianne
May 28, 2020

I was behind the Iron Curtain many times in the 70s and 80s. I also lived in Socialist Europe for 13 years. Believe me: All of this is nothing short of ‘propaganda drip-feed’. Further, it was used as test to see how far they could get everyone to ‘group think’ and fall in line. We must keep praying that the ‘eyes of hearts’ across the US will be enlightened and America will wake up to being “had” (to quote a famous, well-respected Pastor I heard last night on this subject). Pray that a Great Light will shine on this deep darkness and expose the deception, otherwise, we WILL loose our Republic in this generation.

19
Lil Conceicao
May 28, 2020

My husband and I have had numerous discussions about all of what you mention and more but in the end we always end with praying “Lord you are in control of all things and nothing surprises you or escapes you You are Sovereign and Your will be done” We are filled with His peace knowing Jesus is always with us He never leaves us or forsakes us, nothing, not even this virus, can separate us from His love. We draw close to Him and go along our daily lives doing outdoor activities knowing God uses all things to accomplish His will and purpose. How awesome is He the LORD our God the Great I AM!

13
TCPrice
May 28, 2020

Indeed.

Wisdom does come from asking questions.
So where are the Corporate News bureaus? Our Advocates of truth.
The Reporters, Journalists, News Anchors? Isn’t it their job to ask the obvious questions of our esteemed political leaders, with dogged determination & a jaundice eye? Especially when much of these so-called orders, demands & catch phrases thrust upon our freedoms are being put forth by unelected appointees?
Reminds me of a an old sci-fi movie called invasion of the Body Snatchers whereas sensible peoples’ minds were erased, when they “fell asleep” brainwashed into a collective of obediant drones. Slaves to do the bidding of their Alien overlord masters. Or perhaps worse, in real terms, not unlike the French collaborators who turned their own countrymen & women, & members of the French Resistance into the Nazi occupation force for imprisonment,the firing squad, or worse.
All so they might curry favor & live a more comfortable existence as lapdogs of their fascist Nazi handlers.
One does not get something for nothing, or freedom for free.
Unless we forget thatEvil can only exist, when good people do Nothing.

12
Hallie Luppert
May 28, 2020

I believe what you are saying
I said to my husband that they keep repeating the same phrase over and over . It is a mind game and I pray people will wake up.

16
Margaret Anderson
May 28, 2020

I’m outdoors every day in my retirement village without a mask weeding in the numerous flower gardens.

7
Allison
May 28, 2020

I think you’re on to something! People are like sheep who can easily be manipulated, unless they start asking the questions you are asking. I am not believing everything I am hearing these days because of the outcomes, the “fruit”, so to speak, in society, ie. unjust policies that are developing! Thank you for writing this article!!

11
Star Kromer
May 28, 2020

As I was talking with some close friends recently, the Spirit of God dropped a thought into our conversation: stop posting your views on what is going on with this whole covid-19 thing, because you are only further cementing in the minds of those who lean left, what they believe. Those who lean left are not going to change their minds by what I post or believe. Only the Holy Spirit is going to be able to do that! This is where we come in as Intercessors: pray in the Spirit, pray with Spirit led words, and pray the Word of God. Then stand back and watch what Almighty God will do!!!

22
Sarah Heinrichs
May 28, 2020

My personal opinion is that you are absolutely right. I have heard these commercials so often I’m sick and tired of hearing them to the point of being angry. I now realize that I’m rebelling against what others are trying to get me to believe, endorse and follow. I choose to follow God, not man.

15
Kathy S
May 28, 2020

Thank you for a good and thoughtful article. Much to consider here.

5
Vena
May 28, 2020

Im having a hard time understanding why the church had step down from its responsibility as the Leaders of this Nation. (The Church had the upper hand, back in the day). Then as i have learned, the Church was bought with the 501c3 (the devil got his grip). God was taken out of the school, hey so was saying the Pledge of Alligence. Why? Who decided on that? It became our New Normal and we followed like good little children.
When the virus was unleashed on our Beloved America in my thoughts, i knew it was political. China a communist country in competition with USA. Our leaders was bought by the ‘Dragon’. We didnt know how deep until the virus came. The left HATES our President, they hate us too. To do this to We the People is the last straw. What the left doesnt get is, everything they have done only brought theyre Evil plan to the Light. And the dragon isnt happy. Thank You LORD! And another thing, He is putting everything in place to expose ALL of what We the People had no idea was going on while we allowed our Trusted leaders to take over our lives as we know it. This virus could not, will not change us. Now we know how deep in the mud they are. There is No NEW NORMAL. What will be normal is bringing our God back to the front seat of our lives. To bring the Church in, as Trump has done. They now have their place with our President as Spiritual Advisors. It should be a NORMAL not a ‘what if’. Learning how we became a great nation, teaching the Constitution (i never learned it) in school. If the govt wants to be involved in the school system teach the children how this nation came to be. And make sure generations know what it entails when voting for their Leaders. Making sure this brain washing, corruption dealings never happens again. Praying that our childrens future continues by following what our ForeFathers believed in. Than ‘what if’ will become a stronger God fearing Nation to be very Proud of… Pray for their future and when the day of reckoning arrives they will meet us in the sky with Jesus as His Warriors of Light in Battle for His Kingdom.

17
Carol
May 28, 2020

I don’t believe you are “off base” at all. It is a legitimate question which I have been wondering about myself.

8
Linda K
May 28, 2020

I believe the “Behavioral Priming” is akin to the “mind control” that Michael Guidera speaks of in the ‘comment/prayer posted below. It is an unbelievable time to be living in. One I never thought I’d experience in my 65 years on this earth. However, I am grateful for this exposure and ‘awakening’ we are experiencing as the Church in this country. Mr Guidera is right! The Church has been behind closed doors for a long time and not involving itself in the intercession and political involvement that is its civic duty and responsibility as American citizens. Now that the enemy has raised his head like a Cobra snake, we are scrambling to understand “this present darkness” that’s been scheming for centuries to take this country out and it’s citizens. The fear and control surrounding us in and around people duped by media, the devil’s mouthpiece, these days, is tangible. There are days I do not want to leave my home for concern of how I might be treated if I don’t wear a mask or share the fears that others have. We repent for allowing any fear to drive us- Forgive is Lord of our doubts and unbelief. GOD IS RICH IN MERCY and HE WILL FINISH THE GOOD WORK HE’S BEGUN IN US on behalf of Christ’s Church and in THIS COUNTRY as we pray HIS KINGDOM COME and HIS WILL BE DONE ! Lord, I ask that we, Your people, will lay up Your Word as an arsenal in our spirits- Your Word is the SWORD to cut the enemy down to size in Jesus name and You say Lord that NO weapon formed against us will prosper… and Lord Jesus You told Peter that the “gates of hell would NOT prevail against Your Kingdom.” We believe , Lord. Help our unbelief and forgive our complacency, lukewarmness, worldliness, religiosity, and superficialities , distractedness, self driven ways and for not abiding in You as we ought to have been doing, to produce Your fruit for Your use to reach masses of people around us in desperate need of Your peace and hopeful assurance in Christ Jesus. YOU DO NOT GIVE US FEAR, LORD, but LOVE, POWER and SOUNDNESS of MIND- So, I ask You to empower, equip and etch Your Word in our hearts as we go forth in Your peace, entrusting to You this challenging season we are living in AND trusting Your Word that says in Ephesians 3:20 that “You are able to do exceedingly abundantly over all we ask or think according to the power that’s within us”! If the same Spirit that rose Jesus Christ from the dead lives in us then, as His Word says, His Spirit will quicken these mortal bodies of ours, transforming and renewing us to have impact in this world for Christ’s sake and His kingdom. In Jesus name I ask, for all of this to come to pass Father. We are Your children through Christ Jesus our Lord and we believe Your love is great towards us and that You truly do work ALL things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. So, Lord, You say to give thanks in all things. That’s been tough to do for many of us, BUT we say thank you, in obedience to Your Word, for all the goings on around us and for how the circumstances around us are causing us to press closer, deeper and more committed to You and Your Way. In Jesus name. Amen.

29
Patricia Walters
May 28, 2020

Enough is enough. I am safe everywhere for my Savior, Jesus, the Messiah is always with me. Be wise and be very kind and gentle with and to our fellow Americans who walk and live in fear. Fear programmers be silent b’shem Yeshua.

10
Matt
May 28, 2020

What if the Fed Reserve bank had not acted?

2
Iona Gorham
May 28, 2020

There is nothing new under the sun. I kept hearing Henny Penny the sky is falling!

6
robert valkanet
May 28, 2020

if our leaders want us to be safe be safe don’t meet. put on a mask don’t go to church stay home. how about keeping us safe from china they our buying us cattle land pigs land in a america wanting to destroy us and take us over . it is war with china commit gov we must bring back industry back to america and mobilize for war . 1st it is a economic war like with imp japan before ww2. war just did not just happen their was a lot going on before frighting began.

14
Michael Guidera
May 28, 2020

This technique of mind control is definitely coordinated. I have seen examples of daily headlines from news channels and newspapers where the exact words are used. How could so many outlets describe an event with the exact same words? The media is the mouthpiece to put forth the lies to deceive the people.
Our country has principalities of darkness that have gotten a foothold into every aspect of our society. The church has been deceived to think it can only function to minister to its constituents, and didn’t realize that the church plays a pivotal role in political health of our country. By avoiding involvement in the political scene, the country has been hijacked by evil ideologies. The spiritual forces of darkness have been working behind the scenes under cover. The enemy has slowly and deliberately taken over all the 7 mountains of society.
The good news is that the church is awakening and God is moving to confront this enemy. It’s is a battle of monumental proportions, but with God all things are possible.
Dear Father, we pray that You would wake up all Christians in our country to understand the spiritual war that is currently taking place for the survival of our country. I pray for discernment to be given where all can see with Spiritual Eyes and ears. I pray Father that You send the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth to our nation, the Spirit Jesus promised us when He went to be with You. I pray as understanding comes to the nature of the enemy, that You would raise up a mighty army of Intercessors to battle in the Spirit against these principalities of darkness. We bind the spirits of deception, perversion, and witchcraft that work as the source of all this division, lies and chaos. We understand your ways and how you operate oh evil one and with the authority given to us by the Holy Spirit we bind you and command you to release your grip over our country in Jesus name. Father, silence all media outlets that are operating out of this dark world and raise up new ones to speak the truth and understand their role in our society. Dear God, forgive us for allowing this evil to get such a foothold and deliver us from it. We confess our fear of man which bound us and made us so powerless to stand up for what is right. Forgive us for not seeking you to learn how to fight this enemy only seen in the spirit. Forgive us for acting in our carnal man and getting caught up in our own sin that held us back from maturing into strong effective Christians.
We thank you that You give us hope and that You have put our President in office. We thank you for the leadership now in place to root out this corruption. Lord, use this time and these trials for Your glory. May we see You lifted up and exalted in our nation.

67
Mary Nadwodny
May 28, 2020

Perhaps we will get to the bottom of this when Bill Gates and all the participants of the round table meeting where they discussed the Covid virus back in October of 2019 are called before congress to explain. If it would only happen. Or Fauci’s statement in 2017 that this president would be dealing with a pandemic in 2020. Go figure. Praying for veils to be removed and justice to be served.

55
Jennifer and Rick
May 28, 2020

My husband and I had been talking about this very thing. We are so concerned that so many people are just willingly following along with this whole “new normal” thing. Quite frankly it makes me frustrated, irritated and suspicious. But also makes me feel helpless because it seems there are few who think like we do. Sure I’ve take a stand and won’t shop anywhere they require a mask, and I’ve spoken up on face book and other entities, but what else can we do to keep this whole country from going down the drain?

22
    Z. Nelly Hernandez
    May 28, 2020

    You are not alone! I have continue to live my life as usual. These new things they call us to do, I already practice all my life-wash hands, stay clear (as much as possible) from those that have cold or flue, due to medical conditions I deal with. Other than that, I still went out as usual, ministered as Holy Spirit led me and definitely did not give in to the spirit of fear they promote. From the day I heard about this virus, the Lord let me know it was man-made and there’s an agenda behind the agenda!
    I am an Intercessor so I lead my prayer group with targeted prayers against all these evil plots and plans. Jesus will bring justice to victory!
    I am also up to date on the reality of the Deep State’s agenda and I follow the Q team (WWG1WGA)
    We must keep praying for our President. He has a big assignment to complete. Also, his administration. Patriots are all around us. People are waking up as a result of our prayers and intercessions.
    I have not believed any of the news and their numbers about those that died from the virus. The spirit of fear they want to instill in us is stronger than the virus.
    Keep sharing the truth in love and wisdom with whoever is willing to listen. You are on the winning team! America will be saved in Jesus’ name!🙏

    41
      Rick and Jennifer
      May 28, 2020

      That’s so good to know about Tennessee. Shoot I get so excited when I see someone maskless in the store, I can’t imagine walking around a state where a lot of these restrictions are not being practiced. We are self employed, and our work has slowed way down so going toofar away from home would leave us unable to pay for the basics of what we can currently handle financially, but if we could we would. Thanks for letting us in on Tennessee – that is awesome. We continue to pray against fear and for truth to be revealed!

      9
    Beth
    May 28, 2020

    I agree, but First and MOST important is to PRAY! Other than that, my family and I have decided to vacation as much as possible in “open” states. We are currently visiting Tennessee & it’s AMAZING here. Complete freedom. They’re not buying into “The New Normal”. Tourist areas have lots of people and restaurants are open. Workers still wear masks but most of the people walking around don’t. It’s been so refreshing and hopeful to visit a state that already has most of the OLD normal back!

    17
Ruth Myers Home
May 28, 2020

I saw this behavior early on particularly when hearing the media tell us how to wash our hands and being told I was not a kind person because I wouldn’t wear a mask or I was selfish because I went to the grocery store more than once per week.
We do need to step up to the plate with Biblical wisdom and not just march in lock step with Hollywood, the media or with evil politicians who don’t have our best interest at heart. Thank you for this timely article.

24
M. J. McFalls
May 28, 2020

Repeated “Talking points”=

M.I.N.D.C.O.N.T.R.O.L.
Mass
Intent
Nefarious
Deception
Control
Of
The
Reality
Of
Life

PERIOD.

PRAY AGAINST IT.

AMEN

25
Joanna Labbe
May 28, 2020

Thank you for saying this. As a student of the prophecies I can see a shift in the times and my prayer has been for people to stay in touch with Truth and not be misled. I am praying for strength to stand firm in my faith and knowledge of God like the disciples did after Jesus ascended. In isolation all I seem t hear about is fear of the coronavirus but my concerns are more about the reaction to this virus than the virus, but I don’t hear anyone else being aware. So thank you for this messsage. I pray we will all strengthen our relationship so that we can stand for HIm even when it’s costly. He is so worth it!

29
Anne
May 28, 2020

I’ve been praying. “If my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray That He will hear from heaven and heal our land.

29
Carol Warren
May 28, 2020

Following God’s process for our body the way it was designed by him. Example wearing a mask all the time over nose and mouth is not normal or healthy. We are to take in oxygen and inside our bodies it is exchanged for carbon dioxide which we expel, this is the norm, Wearing a mask you are taking in the expelled gas rather than filling lungs with new clean oxygen. Yes, wear a mask when absolutely necessary but otherwise do not. We build up our immune system by being exposed to whatever is going around, this is the God way. This we learned in grade school, our body systems haven’t changed.

40
    Cathy
    May 28, 2020

    Yes! And by wearing masks all the time we are depriving ourselves of God-given antivirals in the air we breathe!

    18
Lisa Forte
May 28, 2020

You had my heart until you wrote, “I’m not suggesting this is some sort of global conspiracy, or that a group of evil-minded people decided to take advantage of the situation we’re in right now to create a different way of living.”

The only reason not to suggest these things after everything else you had written is fear of man over fear of the Lord.

Otherwise, why not suggest those things, really?

14
    Anna
    May 28, 2020

    The author’s literary approach to that segment was sarcasm! He IS trying to wake us up to those possibilities!!
    What he is exposing that the so-called media socialist machine is using is called mind control, or more clearly, it is called seduction, manipulation, deception, and that old standard,
    pure Witchcraft!!!

    17

Partner with Us

Intercessors for America is the trusted resource for millions of people across the United States committed to praying for our nation. If you have benefited from IFA's resources and community, please consider joining us as a monthly support partner. As a 501(c)3 organization, it's through your support that all this possible.

Dave Kubal
IFA President
Become a Monthly Partner

Share

Click below to share this with others

Log in to Join the Conversation

Log in to your IFA account to start a discussion, comment, pray, and interact with our community.