I wonder
what would happen if religions held a National Day of Politicking, or maybe a
National Day of Lobbying or a Day of Unlimited Church Campaign Contributions?
When government declares a National Day of Prayer, I am reminded of the
rambunctious and mischievous little boy being dragged out of a worship service
by a parent. Just before he was pulled through the door, he turned to the congregation
and pleaded loudly, "Pray for me!" Having seen (and maybe even been)
that little boy in real life, I can assure you that his emergency prayer request
was too little and too late to effect change in his current circumstances.
Prayers
invoked to open legislative sessions aside, what do governments have to do with
prayer? This also reminds me of some of our Hallmark holidays. Setting aside a
day to honor mothers is all well and good, but I suspect that most mothers
would appreciate it if their children honored them a bit more each day, instead
of squeezing it all into a single Sunday.
If NDoP
is more of a reminder for regular and ongoing prayer, let's pull out the
decorations at least monthly, if not weekly. And let's not make this a photo-op
for ordained clergy. In fact, let's not make it a show at all. Why don't we
just set aside a time when it's understood that, if any of us – pastors,
politicians, party officials, and voters alike – are not available, it will be
because we have made a regular retreat to our prayer chamber to listen for
God's governance and guidance? That's right, let's make any day of the week
that ends in "Y" a national day of prayer.
What do
you think?
© 2015
Todd Jenkins
I know a wise Man, or it's better said that a wise Man who knows me, once said to not make a show of it at all. So I think you're on to something there.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Becky. To the bat cave, or the prayer closet, or some place of solitude!
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