I am a Independent/(Slightly Conservative) Moderate. I know that is long but “Republican” or “Democrat” does not define me, and the labels ”Conservative”, “Liberal”, and “Moderate” do me little justice as well. Sad to say, I think that I will end up voting for John McCain in November but I truely wish I could vote for Barack Obama. I am one of those stubborn Jesus followers who can’t get over the whole “life begins at conception” thing. From my days in High School I have had a deep LOVE to follow politics and that may be an understatement. So as I watched the Democratic National Convention taking place in my lovely Home State of Colorado, I was attracted to what Donald Miller, author of ”Blue Like Jazz” had to say at the close of the first day of the convention. Here is what he prayed:
“Father God,
This week, as the world looks on, help the leaders in this room create a civil dialogue about our future.
We need you, God, as individuals and also as a nation.
We need you to protect us from our enemies, but also from ourselves, because we are easily tempted toward apathy.
Give us a passion to advance opportunities for the least of these, for widows and orphans, for single moms and children whose fathers have left.
Give us the eyes to see them, and the ears to hear them, and hands willing to serve them.
Help us serve people, not just causes. And stand up to specific injustices rather than vague notions.
Give those in this room who have power, along with those who will meet next week, the courage to work together to finally provide health care to those who don’t have any, and a living wage so families can thrive rather than struggle.
Help us figure out how to pay teachers what they deserve and give children an equal opportunity to get a college education.
Help us figure out the balance between economic opportunity and corporate gluttony.
We have tried to solve these problems ourselves but they are still there. We need your help.
Father, will you restore our moral standing in the world.
A lot of people don’t like us but that’s because they don’t know the heart of the average American.
Will you give us favor and forgiveness, along with our allies around the world.
Help us be an example of humility and strength once again.
Lastly, father, unify us.
Even in our diversity help us see how much we have in common.
And unify us not just in our ideas and in our sentiments—but in our actions, as we look around and figure out something we can do to help create an America even greater than the one we have come to cherish.
God we know that you are good.
Thank you for blessing us in so many ways as Americans.
I make these requests in the name of your son, Jesus, who gave his own life against the forces of injustice.
Let Him be our example.
Amen.”
I love that prayer! I ENDORSE THAT PRAYER. I would vote for that prayer. I don’t know where I really stand on the whole political spectrum, I once did until recently when I started listening to people like Donald Miller, Shane Claiborne, Tony Campolo, and Dallas Willard. I have seen a new path toward making policy in our nation that is above “Democrat” or “Republican” and that is the way of my Savior who doesn’t endorse McCain or Obama. I see positions on both sides of the isle that attract me, not as an American Voter but as a Voter who follows and tries to live out the teachings of Jesus, the One and Only Son of the Most High God. I want our next President to follow as much of that prayer as possible, because that is where my heart is and I have a feeling that is where the heart of my God is as well.
DISCLAIMER: Could be wrong, seeking the Holy Spirit constantly for guidance. Just my opinion as a PASSIONATE follower of Jesus and politics.
Feel free to voice your thoughts, I would love to hear them.
August 26, 2008 at 3:47 pm |
Of course the prayer is a good prayer. In fact, I would say a transcendent prayer. All Christ followers are to ask for and to long for ‘Up There’ to come ‘down here.’ ie. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
The problem is there is the vilolent and visceral hatred among partisans on both sides that will not allow true dialogue to occur. This hostile dichotomy is cutting of discussion and forcing people into mental fortresses where they lob horrible word-bombs at each other from the relative safety of their bunkers.
The extreme right and the extreme left are not listening to each other. (or anyone with whom they might disagree) They refuse to truly listen. For when you truly listen to someone you place yourself in a vulnerable position.
When I listen to someone I postition myself to be influenced by that person. And that influence might result in my changing my mind. Partsian brownshirts can’t afford to do that. They find their identity in their hatred of anyone who disagrees with them. And if they are open to legitimate dialogue where their position might be influenced or changed…well if that happened they would cease to exist as they are. And that would be the end of the red vs. blue war. Then what would they do? Who would they be?
So I am cynical. I pray for civility. I pray that ‘Up there’ comes “down here.’ I love Miller’s prayer. Listen to my hearty ‘Amen.’ But the only hope we have is for the rabid and radical blogusees to lose their voice and let calm and reasoned minds discuss ways to put action to Miller’s prayer. And of course none of our actions will amount to a hill of beans without the annointing of God on our efforts.
“Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
August 27, 2008 at 10:17 pm |
I liked his prayer. The video of Christianity Today magazine interviewing Don before the benediction was pretty good, too. I posted it on my blog today:
http://donnysramblings.com/2008/08/27/donald-millers-benediction-at-the-democratic-national-convention/
August 28, 2008 at 7:39 am |
Donny thanks for sharring your thoughts. I am a big fan of xxxchruch.com and it is cool to hear and learn about what God is doing in your life. God bless you and your family.