The Prayer Breakfast

(Detail from 2009 National Prayer Breakfast – Wikipedia Media)

Since 1953 (Eisenhower was president) there has been a National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D. C. I was reading about what one President said about his faith.

He stated that at the top of his prayer list are "those who are struggling." He prays they will receive help. He went on to say, "And that's why I continue to believe that in a caring and in a just society, government must have a role to play; that our values, our love and our charity must find expression not just in our families, not just in our places of work and our places of worship, but also in our government and in our politics."

He spoke of praying for humility -- and laughed that God answered that prayer by giving him his wife. True, a wife can be such a reminder. He brought another laugh when he said he prayed that his daughter's dress would grow a bit longer as he watched her leave the house.

He quoted scripture to show that only God has perfect knowledge. He also said, "The challenge I find then is to balance this uncertainty, this humility, with the need to fight for deeply held convictions, to be open to other points of view but firm in our core principles. And I pray for this wisdom every day,"

He also told how he deals with criticism of his religion, "We are reminded that ultimately what matters is not what other people say about us, but whether we're being true to our conscience and true to our God."

If you wish to hear his entire speech, look for the 2011 National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D. C. This event has been described as violating separation of church and state and many groups asked President Obama and congressional leaders not to participate.

I believe we should follow God's word in praying for attendees, and our President, who spoke of his faith again this year. We've been instructed to do this:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2 KJV)

And, we've been given the reason why:

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV)

Let us pray together, as Paul said:

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:8 KJV)