Praying for "the enemy"
I don't doubt Mr. Bush is a real, nonpolitical, Christian. I agree with many of the values he holds. I think even when he is wrong that he probably meant well (I least I give him the benefit of the doubt on things like WMDs). I believe for those reasons and more that many evangelical American Christians are openly pushing for his re-election. I've seen and read opinions that say that all of us believers should be praying for his campaign and re-election, etc.
But none of the commentaries I've heard ever mention praying for Mr. Kerry. Win or lose he needs our prayers as well. If he ends up losing it would have been nice for us to have been praying that this was a life-changing experience for him, that he ended up this whole campaign finding God. If he wins, then, since he does not share many of our core values, he definitely needs prayer, both as an individual who needs Jesus, and as the leader of our country.
So how about this? When we pray for Mr Bush - before we take another breath - we'll also pray for Mr Kerry. It's a win-win situation.
Amen?
posted by Ritter | 9:29 AM
2 Comments:
i agree...though i have a different opinion on Bush. i personally don't believe Bush should be re-elected, mostly because i don't think republican policies are the best policies for our nation. i think we have a better chance adressing issues like homosexuality and abortion w/ non-believers under a different adminisration. i also would question a politician as a christian sometimes too. why? here's some reason from aristotle:
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.
- Aristotle, Politics
just my $.02. take it for what it's worth. after all, God isn't a republican. ;-)
I have to think sometimes that I become so wrapped up in the heat of the debates of the issues of our times that I forget the role of prayer. I forget the power of prayer. Paul urges us to pray for our leaders so that we might live in peace. Pragmatic advice. But a grander prayer would be to pray that our leaders would rule justly and rightly and humbly, and that they might be men and women who hear God's voice. I may need to get down off of my soapbox and onto my knees. Thanks for the challenge. Charlie (@anotherthink.com)
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