A month ago a prayer was given for the opening of the 117th Congress in Washington D.C. Typically, these prayers go unnoticed but this one caught the attention of the news media. The congressman, a former Methodist minister, chose to close the prayer with “Amen and Awoman”. That by itself is a little disconcerting but not a real cause for attention. Be that it may, the focus on the closing caused others to look at the rest of the prayer.
Knowing that someone is bold enough to stand up in front of a large group and close a prayer with “Amen and Awoman” would merit a look at the prayer in its entirety. Luke 11 teaches Christians to open prayers to “Our Father” which, over time, becomes personalized. “Dear Father”, “Heavenly Father”, and “Father, God” are just a few examples. The congressional prayer opened with “Eternal God”. Then the prayer continues with requests for blessings and guidance.
It’s the closing that causes concern. “We ask it in the name of the monotheistic God, Brahma, and the God known by many names and faiths.” Clearly, the speaker was being inclusive. Many would be okay with that. But, there’s a problem. John 16:23 says to “ask the Father in my name.” Jesus is the speaker. John 14:13,14 is Jesus speaking about the same thing.
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4) Quite a verse indeed. As our pastor put it politely, “A few days ago a congressman got up in front of Congress and prayed a ridiculous prayer.” Is it really possible that, in this day of progressive knowledge, such an event can take place? It seems so.
It’s important when these kinds of things take place in our culture that you have some perspective on what is occurring—your eternal destiny depends on it. It is not a decision to be made lightly. One either believes the Bible or one doesn’t. You decide. God gave you that choice.
Knowing that someone is bold enough to stand up in front of a large group and close a prayer with “Amen and Awoman” would merit a look at the prayer in its entirety. Luke 11 teaches Christians to open prayers to “Our Father” which, over time, becomes personalized. “Dear Father”, “Heavenly Father”, and “Father, God” are just a few examples. The congressional prayer opened with “Eternal God”. Then the prayer continues with requests for blessings and guidance.
It’s the closing that causes concern. “We ask it in the name of the monotheistic God, Brahma, and the God known by many names and faiths.” Clearly, the speaker was being inclusive. Many would be okay with that. But, there’s a problem. John 16:23 says to “ask the Father in my name.” Jesus is the speaker. John 14:13,14 is Jesus speaking about the same thing.
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4) Quite a verse indeed. As our pastor put it politely, “A few days ago a congressman got up in front of Congress and prayed a ridiculous prayer.” Is it really possible that, in this day of progressive knowledge, such an event can take place? It seems so.
It’s important when these kinds of things take place in our culture that you have some perspective on what is occurring—your eternal destiny depends on it. It is not a decision to be made lightly. One either believes the Bible or one doesn’t. You decide. God gave you that choice.
