Does ChatGPT have the ability to pray just like humans?
In a world that is becoming increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence, the discussion of using AI for ministry purposes is now a readily debated topic. This undeniable traction of using AI led John Piper to test the spiritual capabilities of artificial intelligence by asking ChatGPT to compose a 30-second prayer in the style of biblical scholar Don Carson.
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The result was a theologically sound and eloquent prayer praising “the glory of God’s grace” and referencing redemption through Christ.
“Gracious Father, we bow before You, the sovereign Lord of history and redemption. From eternity past, 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, vessels of praise to the riches of Your grace. To You be glory forever and ever. Amen,” the prayer read.
However, despite the impressive output, Piper dismissed the machine’s response from being actual praise. Highlighting a core distinction between humans and artificial intelligence, Piper emphasized that while machines can generate words—even better than most people—they are incapable of experiencing the emotions that give worship meaning.
/**/“Computers do words,” Piper said. “They don’t feel anything.”
For Piper, the essence of true worship lies not in linguistic precision but in heartfelt response to the grace of God. He urged believers to remember that praise flows from a redeemed and Spirit-filled life—not from digital eloquence.
“The universe exists to have people in God’s image who feel the worth of grace, who feel the glory of grace, who feel the beauty of grace, who feel the wonder of grace,” he said.
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Can artificial intelligence truly offer praise to God? Or is that reserved for hearts that can feel, respond and love their Creator? While machines may echo the language of theology, only people—formed in the image of God—can experience the wonder of grace and return it with genuine worship.
Perhaps the deeper issue isn’t whether AI can sound spiritual, but whether praise without a soul is praise at all.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
