Praying for Publicity

I'm probably playing into Franklin Graham's hands.  He seems to like the spotlight, and his disinvitation to pray at the Pentagon has made his day.  He's made all the rounds, played up the issue, said that Islam "gets a pass" from the President, complains that Christians are being persecuted -- and on and on it goes.

The latest is that on Thursday, Mr. Graham, who seems to want to reach the same level of importance as his famous father, gathered with a few of his friends and prayed on the sidewalk outside the Pentagon.  Following this, according to news reports, he gathered the press together at the September 11 monument (apparently one of the few places that cameras are allowed on Pentagon property), and reiterated his complaints. 

I know Franklin knows the passage, but just in case he doesn't I want to share words of Jesus with him. 

‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.*

 ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.   (Matthew 6:5-7 NRSV).

Do We Need a National Day of Prayer -- Day After Thoughts

Last night I participated in the Troy Interfaith Group's annual National Day of Prayer service.  It was a grand affair -- filling the sanctuary and foyer of Troy's First Presbyterian Church.  We had Muslims, Hindus, Catholics, Protestants, Baha'is, and maybe more.  We shared songs, readings and prayers.  I read the Golden Rule as it is depicted in a variety of religious traditions, as young people light candles to lift up each of these statements.   Afterward, we broke bread together.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable event.  Interestingly enough this observance came into being because one of the founding members of the group, a Hindu woman, was prevented from participating in an observance held on the grounds of City Hall.  The City Council at the time supported the claims of those who declared this to be a Judeo-Christian event (to which, as I understand it, the local Rabbi said -- leave the Jews out of this).  And so a movement was born, one that seeks to better represent the diversity that is present in our community.

I share this story as a segue into answering the title question.  Do we need a National Day of Prayer?  My initial answer is no.  As a person of faith I don't need the President or Congress to tell me that I need to pray.  My faith tells me to do just that.  On the other hand, it might be appropriate for the government to set aside a day in which prayer might be of value to the nation.  I think that's the sentiment of James Madison (author of the Constitution, by the way).  Brad Hart provided this quote from a letter written by Madison to Edward Livingtone in 1822 in a post at American Creation.

 

There has been another deviation from the strict principle in the Executive Proclamations of fasts & festivals, so far, at least, as they have spoken the language of injunction, or have lost sight of the equality of all religious sects in the eye of the Constitution. Whilst I was honored with the Executive Trust I found it necessary on more than one occasion to follow the example of predecessors. But I was always careful to make the Proclamations absolutely indiscriminate, and merely recommendatory; or rather mere designations of a day, on which all who thought proper might unite in consecrating it to religious purposes, according to their own faith & forms. In this sense, I presume you reserve to the Govt. a right to appoint particular days for religious worship throughout the State, without any penal sanction enforcing the worship.  (James Madison)

Note that Madison suggests that such a proclamation is appropriate if it is not an injunction and doesn't "lose sight of the equality of all religious sects in the eye of the Constitution."  Now, you might say, did he intend to include Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus?  I don't know what he had in mind.  But my sense is that he would, if alive today, insist that all religious traditions be included in its purview.  My sense is that President Obama's proclamation is in the spirit of Madison's recommendations. 

Do we need a National Day of Prayer?  I'm not sure I can answer that question.  In fact, it's probably not a relevant question.  Constitutionally, precedent and practice suggest that it's not illegal.  But, if we take Madison as our guide, it would seem that the state shouldn't organize such affairs and that they shouldn't penalize for not participating.  I'd take this a step further, in light of the statement about affirming the equality of all sects, it would seem appropriate that any service held on public grounds or with any hint of public sponsorship, should be interfaith and open to all who would come.  If some would like to have a Christian's only event -- fine -- but don't seek government sponsorship.  Have it in your churches.  In reflecting on this event, my greatest concern is not that secularists will push the religious folk out of the public square, but that one group will seek to use its claims to either majority status as a reason for dominating the public square.

As for our TIG service, I think we've come to the point where we wouldn't want to go on to public property for the event.  We've found our niche and it's working!  

A Response to Franklin Graham

I must say this, Franklin Graham has never developed the political acumen of his father.  He has continually made statements that are narrow and inflammatory -- something his father shied away from (at least in public).  There are those comments on the Nixon tapes that are problematic!

Recently the younger Graham was disinvited from speaking at a Pentagon National Day of Prayer observance.  This occurred because Graham has continually made disparaging remarks about Muslims.  Yes, I know he loves Muslims, he just thinks their religion stinks and that they need Jesus.  But, his comments are incendiary, and his presence at a Pentagon sponsored prayer service, while the United States is at war in two Muslim countries (as it continually declares that it is not at war with Islam), is not helpful.

Graham, of course, won't let this thing die, and suggests that this disinvitation is a slap in the face of evangelical Christians.  Not only that, it is the sign that forces within the Obama administration are opposed to the Christian faith.  (What is interesting is that Graham cites Islam's treatment of women, but when he speaks of Obama's advisers, he speaks of "the men around" him -- I thought that there were some women among Obama's advisers, but I must have been misinformed).

In response to Mr. Graham -- it is not that evangelicals are being disinvited, it's people like you who are being disinvited.  Obama is on good relations with a number of evangelical leaders.  He seeks prayer support from evangelical pastor Joel Hunter and from evangelical United Methodist pastor KirbyJohn Caldwell -- who by the way served in a similar position with President Bush.  It is not, therefore, a repudiation of evangelicalism.  Instead it is a repudiation of the narrowness of figures such as Franklin Graham, Pat Robertson, and James Dobson.   It may also be a response to the self-proclaimed National Day of Prayer task force, a group of ultra-right conservative Christians who have seen fit to take over this day as their own. 

Barack Obama's 2010 National Day of Prayer Proclamation

Since today is the National Day of Prayer, an observance that has been held annually since 1952, when Harry Truman issued the first proclamation, I thought it appropriate to share Barack Obama's proclamation issued on April 30th.  It is important to note that the President has not canceled the National Day of Prayer as some emails have suggested.  How he personally observes it is up to him, but he has issued an encouragement to prayer, not that we should need such a thing!  

As for me, I'll be participating in the Troy Interfaith Group service at First Presbyterian Church of Troy.  This service will include Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Baha'i, Catholic, Protestant, Jain, and Muslim participants (and I've probably left out some).  This variety represents the variety that is in Troy, MI.  Now there is another observance, to be held on City Property, that is Christian focused.  I find it ironic that this is the case, but such is the realities of times such as these.

It is, however, important to note that in issuing this proclamation, the President -- unlike some prayer organizers -- recognizes the religious pluralism of the nation.  Note this emphasis:

I call upon the citizens of our Nation to pray, or otherwise give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I invite all people of faith to join me in asking for God's continued guidance, grace, and protection as we meet the challenges before us.

I believe this is the proper focus of such a proclamation of the President of all the people, not just Christian people.

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Presidential Proclamation--National Day of Prayer

A PROCLAMATION

April 30, 2010

Throughout our history, whether in times of great joy and thanksgiving, or in times of great challenge and uncertainty, Americans have turned to prayer. In prayer, we have expressed gratitude and humility, sought guidance and forgiveness, and received inspiration and assistance, both in good times and in bad.

On this day, let us give thanks for the many blessings God has bestowed upon our Nation. Let us rejoice for the blessing of freedom both to believe and to live our beliefs, and for the many other freedoms and opportunities that bring us together as one Nation. Let us ask for wisdom, compassion, and discernment of justice as we address the great challenges of our time.

We are blessed to live in a Nation that counts freedom of conscience and free exercise of religion among its most fundamental principles, thereby ensuring that all people of goodwill may hold and practice their beliefs according to the dictates of their consciences. Prayer has been a sustaining way for many Americans of diverse faiths to express their most cherished beliefs, and thus we have long deemed it fitting and proper to publicly recognize the importance of prayer on this day across the Nation.

Let us remember in our thoughts and prayers those suffering from natural disasters in Haiti, Chile, and elsewhere, and the people from those countries and from around the world who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to render aid. Let us pray for the families of the West Virginia miners, and the people of Poland who so recently and unexpectedly lost many of their beloved leaders. Let us pray for the safety and success of those who have left home to serve in our Armed Forces, putting their lives at risk in order to make the world a safer place. As we remember them, let us not forget their families and the substantial sacrifices that they make every day. Let us remember the unsung heroes who struggle to build their communities, raise their families, and help their neighbors, for they are the wellspring of our greatness. Finally, let us remember in our thoughts and prayers those people everywhere who join us in the aspiration for a world that is just, peaceful, free, and respectful of the dignity of every human being.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 6, 2010, as a National Day of Prayer. I call upon the citizens of our Nation to pray, or otherwise give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I invite all people of faith to join me in asking for God's continued guidance, grace, and protection as we meet the challenges before us.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Harry Truman's National Day of Prayer Proclamation

In the 1950s America was gripped by fear that Communism might take over the world.  The world was divided into two and a Cold War began.  What had been allies were now bitter enemies, seeking to carve up the world between them.  On one side stood the godly folk and on the other the ungodly.  During this era the words "under God" were added to the pledge of allegiance, and the first annual proclamations of a National Day of Prayer were established.  The first came from the pen of Harry Truman.  Note that while there are statements that reflect the fact that Christians are the majority ("year of our Lord" and "churches" there is nothing explicitly Christian about this proclamation.  Note too that it was made at the direction of Congress.  Note as well that nothing is said here about gathering at government buildings or sites for observances -- but rather in  churches, in homes, and in hearts.  Pray as you deem fitting.  

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June 17, 1952

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Whereas from the earliest days of our history our people have been accustomed to turn to Almighty God for help and guidance; and

Whereas in times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace and security we stand in special need of divine support; and

Whereas the Congress, by a joint resolution approved on April 17, 1952 (66 Stat. 64), has provided that the President “shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation”; and

Whereas I deem it fitting that this Day of Prayer coincide with the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which published to the world this Nation’s “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence”:

Now, Therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, July 4, 1952, as a National Day of Prayer, on which all of us, in our churches, in our homes, and in our hearts, may beseech God to grant us wisdom to know the course which we should follow, and strength and patience to pursue that course steadfastly. May we also give thanks to Him for His constant watchfulness over us in every hour of national prosperity and national peril.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington this 17th day of June in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-sixth.

How Will You Observe the National Day of Prayer Tomorrow?

From the Detroit Free Press -- William Archie

There is an article in the Detroit Free Press today that discusses the National Day of Prayer.  It asks the question of whether the US is a Christian nation and what that means.  I have one quote and a picture in the article -- in which I note that I'll be observing it in interfaith fashion, as should be true of a pluralistic nation. 

It is interesting that Sarah Palin gets major billing, but then she was up north of here speaking to an ultra-conservative Christian gathering.  But, the article ends with a quote from a local rabbi, and I think he gets it just about right:

"Of course America is not a Christian nation," said Rabbi Daniel Syme of Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills. "The founding fathers created a wall of separation of church and state. Not just a curtain -- a wall. And why? Because they were wise enough to know that if they were creating a country that would be... open to the dreams of people throughout the world, then those individuals had to be free to pursue their own faith."

I will be posting more today and tomorrow about this.  I will be sharing in an interfaith service sponsored by the Troy Interfaith Group  -- at First Presbyterian Church on Livernois Street, here in Troy. 

National Day of Prayer

In 1775, the First Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer. In 1952 Congress established the NDP as an annual event by a joint resolution, signed into law by President Truman. In 1988, the law was amended to designate the first Thursday in May for NDP, and was signed into law by President Reagan.

The mission of the National Day of Prayer Task Force is to communicate with every family the need for personal repentance and prayer, and to mobilize families to personal and corporate prayer, particularly on behalf of the nation and those in leadership on all levels of local, national, church and educational areas of influence.

In 1800, John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail, "I Pray Heaven to Bestow The Best of Blessing on THIS HOUSE, and on ALL that shall hereafter Inhabit it. May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under This Roof!" It was his last year in office, but the first year any president occupied the White House.

Franklin D. Roosevelt had Adam's quote lettered in gold in the marble over the fireplace in the State Dining Room of the White House.

Indeed, prayer is the only enduring path to hope and change, and our nation needs a lot of both right now. However, the current inhabitant of the White House will not be observing NDP. Robert Gibbs told his press club, "We're doing a proclamation, which I know that many administrations in the past have done," but Obama will not be inviting faith leaders to the White House (like Wright, Pfleger and Farrakhan?), or attending any of the events associate with NDP.

That notwithstanding, The Patriot Post's National Advisory Board and staff invite you to join us, and millions of our countrymen, in prayer for our nation today at 12:00 local time. The NDP theme for this year, "Prayer ... America's Hope," is based on Psalm 33:22, "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." Link to the National Day of Prayer Web site (www.ndptf.org) for more information.

WRITTEN by Mark Alexander, publisher of The Patriot Post (http://patriotpost.us), in his email essay dated May 7th, 2009