Vain Sayings? Q. Is saying “Oh, my God!†when reacting to a situation or story taking the name of the Lord in vain?Janet, Wakefield, Kan. A. While the phrase “Oh, my God†could be a prayer, it is not usually meant in this way. More commonly it uses the Divine name as a mere expression of surprise or exasperation. This is not a reverent or prayerful use of God’s name in most circumstances. The word “vain†means empty. And, therefore, the context you cite would usually seem to qualify as using God’s name in vain. However, in assigning culpability (blameworthiness),...