Prayer

An article in the Post caught my attention this morning with the headline, "In Va. House, Seeking More Inclusive Prayers."  Public prayer has been a controversial subject in our American dialogue for more than three decades.  From the classroom, to the football field, to the halls of government, arguments over the appropriateness of public prayer have been passionate and provocative. Prayers have been offered in the Virginia House of Delegates since the days of Thomas Jefferson and with little exception, those prayers have most often been offered from a Christian perspective.  Of course, not every person of faith in the Virginia House is a Christian and a growing number of these folks are asking that the daily prayers which begin their legislative duties reflect a broader base of faith. The Post reports that in this session, twelve Baptists, six Catholics, five Methodists, three Episcopalians, two Mormons, two Lutherans, and one Anglican have been scheduled to lead the opening prayer, with one rabbi, invited by a Jewish delegate also participating. A thirty-one to one ratio certainly seems to validate the concerns of those asking for broader participation.

 

I know that in raising this issue I am treading on thin ice with some who believe that America is a Christian nation and as such should reflect solely Christian principles.  But America is a richly diverse nation made up of people from different ethnic, racial, social, and religious backgrounds that defy so narrow a distinction.  The unique nature and freedom of every soul is a gift from the Creator that is best celebrated not in legislated conformity, but honest and open expression.  As a follower of Jesus Christ, I do see Him as way, truth, and life, but that is a truth that should not be forced on anyone as a means of religious conformity.  Many years ago, in a world religion class at Southern Seminary in Louisville, South African missiologist, Dr. John Johnson, impressed upon me and other students in that class that respect for people of different faiths was truly the pathway to meaningful dialogue about faith. He wasn't calling his students to a watered-down faith for he was a passionate Christian.  He was, however, calling us to an openness that allowed for differences that enhanced and encouraged communication and that is something that could certainly benefit our interactions with people of different faiths and cultures today.

 

Some would argue that public prayer of any kind is not appropriate in the context of governmental procedure.  If, however, in the state of Virginia it continues as a practice of the Virginia House, should one perspective so overwhelmingly dominate?  I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and scripture calls me to be an ambassador for Christ.  But I do not serve that cause well by ignoring the beliefs and religious practices of other faiths.  The closing words of John's gospel are perhaps helpful here... "there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." (John 21:25, NRSV)   The wonders of God at work in the story of Jesus Christ cannot be constrained by human words or by human legislation or practice.  The truth of God's word will be heard and if we trust God to be the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer that we profess God to be, then we must live not in fear of looming irrelevance, but hopeful purpose as we strive to become ambassadors for Christ whose lives are invested in sharing his love.

 

Prayer is a powerful expression of faith.  To respect the beliefs of others who find their voice in prayer is not a threat to the Christian faith, but an act of trust that embraces the truth of Holy Scripture that God can indeed be at work in all things. Prayer is an open door...let us have courage to step through it with faith and respect. 

 

Jim Abernathy