A Whole Lot of Praying Going On… But
from the July 26, 2011 eNews issue
http://www.khouse.org/enews_article/2011/1809
Ramadan begins on August 1st this year and will run to the end of the month according to the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims will take the month to remember when Mohammed “received” the Koran in AD 610, and they will mark it by fasting from sunup to sundown along with extra devotion to prayer and self-cleansing. At the same time, Jews, Muslims, and Christians are gathering to pray together over the National Debt, and Pastor Joe Nelms thanked God for his “smokin’ hot wife” before a NASCAR race this weekend.
There’s a whole lot of different kinds of praying going on, but not all prayers are equal
Ecumenism:
In order to teach Congress a lesson in compromise, Christians, Jews, and Muslims gathered on Tuesday to pray for the United States budget. They want to stand against any deal that would cut too much from social programs for the poor and needy, and they began a prayer vigil to see that Congress doesn’t cap America’s spending ability. The fact that they may not all be praying to the same deities did not seem to concern those involved in the prayer rally.
Embellishment:
Pastor Joe Nelms raised both complaints and laughter when he offered a more colorful-than-normal prayer before Saturday night’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Nashville Speedway. After thanking God for His blessings, including the “mighty machines…GM racing technology…Sunoco racing fuel” Pastor Nelms finished with, “… Lord, I want to thank you for my smokin’ hot wife, Lisa… Lord I pray you bless the drivers and use them tonight. May they put on a performance worthy of this great track, in Jesus name boogity-boogity-boogity, Amen.”
Some thought the prayer was great, a fun, light-hearted change from the norm. Others thought Nelms was irreverent – trying to entertain rather than pray. One fellow even criticized Nelms because he didn’t mention Chevy in the list of things for which he thanked God.
Nelms explained his reason for the rather unorthodox unscripted prayer. He said, “I think that we need to let folks know that accepting Christ as your savior and letting God into your life is not an end to living but it’s a beginning. I’ve had more fun since I got saved as a 13-year-old boy. The Bible talks about He desires for our joy to be full. Our heart’s desire was to show people that side…”
Grandparents’ 911:
The 10-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks falls on Sunday this year, a day which happens to be Grandparent’s Day, and the Christian Grand-parenting Network is calling for grandparents across the country to focus on prayer that day.
“These are desperate and uncertain times for all, but especially for our grandchildren,” says Cavin Harper, Executive Director of CGN. “With Grandparent’s Day falling on Sunday, September 11th this year, the tenth anniversary of 9/11, we felt prompted to turn this day of tragedy into a compelling opportunity for grandparents to stand in the gap on behalf of the next generations. It is our grandchildren who must navigate a world that is increasingly hostile toward Christianity and God’s truth. It is time for our generation–today’s grandparents–to step to the plate and determine that we will do all we can to not let a whole generation perish on our watch!”
The Response:
Texas Gov. Rick Perry is being sued by the Freedom from Religion Foundation for advocating for a day of prayer and fasting August 6th. The Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas has been reserved for the prayer event, and thousands of people have registered to attend. The Freedom from Religion Foundation has argued that the rally is illegal because it’s “intended for evangelical Christians” and others are not permitted to attend. American Family Association founder Don Wildmon refutes those claims: “Anyone who wants to pray to Jesus for a nation in crisis is welcome to attend.” He also rejected the view that the event was politically motivated: “The Response is a prayer event. No political candidates will be speaking.”
There are many ways humans pray, and many gods to which they pray. Praying itself may or may not be a useful activity, depending on Whom we talk to. The Bible describes some basic principles to keep in mind when going before the Lord:
Matthew 6:7-8: But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Psalms 62:8: Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
John 4:23-24: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Proverbs 15:8: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
1 Peter 3:7: Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Philippians 4:6-7: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
James 5:16: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
A lot of people are praying, but not all worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Not all truly pour their hearts out before Him. Some kneel faithfully, but use vain repetitions that fail to touch their own hearts or the heart of the Living God. Others hold onto sin or unforgiveness as they go to pray, and still others treat their wives or their husbands selfishly, and yet expect their prayers to be heard.
We need to pray and pray with all our hearts. Our countries and towns and homes are desperate for the power of God. For His own mysterious reasons, God has chosen to release His power when we come before Him – but we must do so in honesty and truth.
Related Links:
US Muslims Prepare For Summertime Ramadan Fasting – The Jarkart Post http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/07/27/us-muslims-prepare-summertime-ramadan-fasting.html
Pastor Defends Nationwide Invocation, Says He Didn’t Want ‘Cookie-Cutter Prayer’ – ThePilot.com http://hamptonroads.com/2011/07/pastor-defends-invocation-says-he-didnt-want-give-cookiecutter-prayer
Thousands of Grandparents Gathering to Pray on 9/11/11 – Earned Media http://www.earnedmedia.org/cgn0726.htm
Religious Groups Set Prayer Vigil For U.S. Debt Deal – Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/26/us-usa-debt-prayer-idUSTRE76P07520110726
Perry Sued Over Web Event – AP http://online.worldmag.com/2011/07/26/perry-sued-over-prayer-event/
