If You Can’t Do It, Don’t!

I was disappointed. I understand that no one in Washington D. C. had the slightest interest in my concerns going in, or now, after the fact. I know my “attitude” and “feelings” are personal, introspective, and a concern developed from my personal propriety. I am not, however, without minor league experience – having thrice been allowed to pray in the Texas Legislature.

The Invocation and Benediction during yesterday’s (January 20, 2009) Presidential Inaugural give me pause. Rick Warren seemed intent (in my personal opinion) on sounding statesman-like, saying all the “right things” and making certain that as many “bases” as possible were adequately covered. I did not get the impression (and I want the impression) that He was actually, intimately, addressing the God He knows as personal Savior and Lord. I expect more–wanted more, and I can only assume he may be wiser than I in this matter of genuine prayer.

Some will say, “this is an exercise in ‘public prayer’ which must be acceptable to all religions, races, and peoples, and contain no divisive and or non-incorporating language. It is certainly not a spiritual communication with a personal God who hears and answers those who come with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” Then don’t do it! God is not interested in any of that other stuff anyway. We’re just wasting our time and His (actually, He probably doesn’t even listen).

As for Dr. Lowery (again in my personal opinion), his “prayer” was a political speech turned joke at it’s conclusion. If it was intended to be an attempt to communicate our heart-felt needs to an infinite God, I fear it missed the mark.

I am not saying, “I could do it better.” I am saying, we obviously need more work regarding genuine prayer, Dr. Warren’s use of the Model Prayer (Matthew 6) notwithstanding.