I'm honored to do it, of course. It's always a privilege to join together with the local officials, clergy, and citizens at City Hall to observe the National Day of Prayer (tomorrow, noon).
Reading some of our media websites this morning, however, I have been reminded once again how divisive this day has become in our culture, and it makes me kind of sad to see it come.
Relax, I'm not opposed to it.
And, quite frankly, I'm not surprised that many who do not share the Christian faith (or any faith, for that matter, since prayer is part of many different religious traditions). Honestly, the question of what kinds of religious observances the state should endorse (or sponsor) is a healthy part of the discourse any society should have in the enacting and implementation of the laws and norms with which we govern ourselves.
But it does strike me how violent people's emotions get in this discussion. What struck me this morning was not the opposition to this day (for two reasons: 1 - these objections come every year, and 2 - they really should surprise no one). No, I was saddened to see how militant and angry some within the Christian tradition are about various government officials (at all levels) choosing to participate in, not participate in, or even observe, the National Day of Prayer.
This saddened me because I firmly believe that when we, the Christian church (of all denominational stripes) get supremely giddy or supremely angry due to an official of a secular, earthly kingdom choosing to observe or not observe a National Day of Prayer, we have given them too much power.
As people who live through the lens of Easter, those whose citizenship is ultimately found in the kingdom of God, not the kingdom of man, we must remember that EVERY DAY for us is a Day of Prayer. EVERY DAY is a day for us to pray for our nation - it's citizens and it's leaders - to follow God's will. EVERY DAY is a day for us to gather with one another to pray for our communities to be places where the glory of God shines.
Oh, and if we have to rely on a governmental decree to mark or a governmental place to hold the National Day of Prayer, does that say more about the government or more about us?
As I said at the beginning of this message, I'm glad that we hold this observance at City Hall, and I really look forward to being there. If the day comes where elected officials choose not to participate, or governmental property is not available, it should really make no difference. It should make no difference because when God's people are truly called to a time of prayer, then we will gather. Period.
See You Soon!
Lamar
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