Viewpoint
In today’s media-saturated America, everyone has an opinion. From Bill O’Reilly to Chris Matthews, Rush Limbaugh to Rachel Maddow – and everything in between – there is no shortage of viewpoints. But how many of those perspectives bring you back to a place of passionate, persistent prayer for the nation?
“Viewpoint” allows your Prayer Team’s talented writing team to express their opinions on the political, social and moral issues of the day. At times, you may not agree with all they have to say. But in the end, you will be energized to pray for America, with the prism of Scripture and a decidedly Godly direction as your guide. Plus, you can blog your comments to every article, have your say, and perhaps even receive a response back from the writer.
Read – then pray with an enlightened, more informed viewpoint for your nation and its leaders.
Don’t Say Jesus
Should courts control the content of your public prayer?
by Jim Ray
When government gets involved in deciding what should be said in a prayer, you can be sure that individual freedoms are in jeopardy. The prophet Daniel found himself in the company of hungry lions after failing to follow official protocol in his prayer routine. And Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, authored a helpful guide entitled the Book of Common Prayer. Many people appreciated the volume, but the Queen, Mary I, didn’t. In fact, she disliked it so much she had Cranmer burned at the stake.
Unfortunately, government meddling in the prayer lives of its citizens didn’t disappear in the middle ages with the bubonic plague. A recent ruling of the Fourth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals lays down the law with respect to what may or may not be said in prayers in certain places.
And the judges’ decision can be boiled down to this simple order: you may pray if you wish, but whatever you do…don’t say Jesus.
The court case was brought against Forsyth County, North Carolina by three individuals who claimed they were made uncomfortable by the Board of Commissioners’ practice of allowing clergy to begin meetings with prayer. The Board has for many years invited local religious leaders – of any and every stripe – to deliver an invocation. As the Court acknowledged, “No eligible congregation was excluded,” and the invitation was issued to religious leaders of all established local congregations in the community, regardless of denomination or faith.
And furthermore, just to be on the safe side, the Board of Commissioners created an official policy clarifying that prayer was not “a part of the public business,” that nobody “shall be required to participate in any prayer that is offered,” and that the opportunity to pray would be granted on a “first-come, first-serve” basis.
But the problem, in the view of the district court, was that too many people were referencing “specific tenets of Christianity” and praying in Jesus’ name – what the court called “sectarian invocations.” In short, it didn’t matter that leaders of other faiths freely mentioned Allah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Mohammad, or the Heavenly Father in their prayers. The court decided that references to Jesus Christ were just too frequent.
This is not surprising, given that the vast majority of the houses of worship in Forsyth County are Christian, but the court nevertheless said that too much mention of Jesus “runs afoul of the promise of public neutrality” as required by the First Amendment.
The solution, the court said, is simple. Prayers may continue if the person permitted to pray will promise to “embrace a non-sectarian ideal. That ideal is simply this: that those of different creeds are in the end kindred spirits, united by a respect paid higher providence and by a belief in the importance of religious faith.”
Federal Judge Paul V. Niemeyer dissented from the majority opinion of the three-judge panel. “The majority has dared to step in and regulate the language of prayer – the sacred dialogue between humankind and God,” he wrote. “Most frightfully, it will require secular legislative and judicial bodies to evaluate and parse particular religious prayers under an array of criteria identified by the majority.”
What happens from here? In January, the United States Supreme Court refused to review the district court’s decision, which means that it cannot be overturned, at least for now. Gleeful representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union are already at work to see that this decision is enforced across the nation, and will also be sending a bill for $200,000 to Forsyth County for its attorney fees incurred in the case.
In the meantime, Christians who have the opportunity to pray in public settings will have to choose whether they will follow the instructions of the Fourth Circuit…or the instructions in the fourteenth book of John. In verses 13 and 14, Jesus says this: “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”
Like the prophet Daniel and Thomas Cranmer – and countless other saints of the past who were told by others how they should pray – you have a decision to make.
Jim Ray is a writer and marketing specialist who currently serves as Estate Gift Representative with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. He also serves on the advisory board for Street 2 Street, a New York-based charity ministering to inner-city youth through the vehicle of sports. Jim and his wife Stacey have two children and reside in Nashville, TN.
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Almost 30 years ago, I was asked to say the “Blessing” before the meal at a very important political function. Someone asked me NOT to use the Name of Jesus because there were all different faiths represented there in attendance. I politely smiled and nodded. When I said my prayer to bless the food, I added much more to the Blessing. I asked for the Will of God to unfold in each one of our lives — in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! I felt that only God opened that unique door of opportunity for me to be there at that very strategic moment in my life. My Heavenly Father gave me the anointing and the authority to be BOLD for Jesus, so I chose to be obedient to God rather than man. Everything went well; I felt good knowing that my Lord was honored and that I did not disappoint Him! Seeds were planted that will bring forth fruit into eternity. Amen! So be it! Shalom! Hallelujah! Selah!
All through His Word He tells us that” He will never leave us or forsake us’. Hebrews 13:8,philipians 4:4-6,John14;1-14,Matt.6:5-13,Matt.7:7-8. ” Your never as tall as when you are on your knees” ! “God answers Knee-Mail ” Look at our past leaders ! ” Seven day’s without ( Prayer ) makes one weak” ! God wants to hear from us ! Prayer changes things ! We are the apple of His eye ! What does God’s Word say about Prayer ? What did Daniel do three times a day? Pray ! Blessings,Clyde.
It is time for Christians to stand up and be counted. Father God put the right person in as our President of the USA and bring God back into our lives and country. In God we trust, in Jesus precious name. Amen
I recently was involved in working on a project for a a well known volunteer organization and this entailed creating greeting cards, (Sympathy cards, etc.) and I used the name of Jesus or Lord in the body of the card. I was told this cannot be done because they would loose their government funding if God was mentioned and it might offend others of different faiths. This is kind of the same example of not being able to use the name of Jesus in prayer, it might offend someone, not politically correct. I do not help this organization anymore because of their stand against God. I had to make a choice, am I for God or for the world system and it starts with me, one small step in the right direction. Jesus is coming very soon, make sure you make the right decision to be on His team.
We are slowly losing our right to speak, pray. feel free without looking over our shoulders, looking upwards to GOD. You will note that I always type HIS name in caps. Those same people who ask us, to do this, don’t do that, don’t say this or that are the same people who walk around watching and waiting for us to make a mistake.
The Pilgrims came over here to be able worship GOD without being slaughtered. Remember the 100 year, 30 year War) What did They do? Try to tape everyone’s mouths but theirs.
I have no problem saying GOD’S name in Public prayer because the Bible already says we are persecuted all day long in HIS wonderous name.
Ihave pray in the name of Jesus, and if needed I would do it again, praise the Lord.
[Edited to remove Caps Lock]
I was asked to pray before the dinner of a 100+ gathering of corporate leaders, faculty and students. I was not told how to pray even though the group was represented by many different faiths. I did end my prayer, “in Jesus name, I pray” as I always do. Afterward one of the students and one of the staff complimented me on my statement of faith.
I am happy to provide a public prayer but as a condition to providing that paryer, I must be allowes to pray in the name of Jesus Christ. I have never been turned down by any group in our community.
I am the president of a property owner’s association. Another volunteer is adamant in stating he does not believe in God and refuses to say the pledge of allegiance with Under God. We have talked about this at times and I refuse to accept his ignorance of God and at time his animosity. I feel that just by standing firm in my belief and quietly and respectfully speaking up for God that it is softening his heart.
We never know where God will lead us but it is always down a path of truth and good things come of it.
If someone asks me to pray in a secular setting, I would assume that they would know I would pray in the name of Jesus. Mark 8:38 ()Luke 9:26: “For if anyone (in this adulterous and sinful generation) is ashamed of me and of my words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his own glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.”
I teach a weekly Bible Study group made up of Several Christian domoninations.
We study Holy Scripture and discuss many of the customs and cross over points of interest for then and now. I always begin and end each session with the Blessing of the group in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We have grown spiritually from the honest expression of our Love of God and our neighbor. I feel Blessed to be a facilitor in this lifting up of our prayers and petitions to Almighty God.
May the God be with each of you – and with your Spirit.
John M. Lucas, O.P.
Isn’t it interesting that we can mention ANY name in our prayers except for the name of the Creator of the universe and the One who holds all things together by His very Word.
May God open our eyes and our hearts to Truth
I think it is interesting that you can hear Jesus as a swear word in the movies on television, or walking down the street and that is not offensive to people who want to be free from Christian references. The minute it is used in proper context someone is offended. I say they should not be able to have it both ways. Who should I sue?
One day soon every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS is LORD!!!!!!!!
Jackie, you are so right on. I was thinking that very same thing when I came upon your post. It reminded me of the day, many young years ago, when I heard somebody swearing with Jesus name. I turned to her and said, “Oh my, do you know Jesus too? So do I; He is my very best friend.” She was dumbfounded. There is power in the Name. Also in our city government, someone has proposed banning the prayer before their meetings. It is such a part of me to spontaneously raise my hand almost anywhere and quietly say, “Thank you, Jesus; Praise you, Jesus” that I doubt I could stop under any circumstance. God bless each and every one of you.
I would, without hesitation, pray in the name above all names, Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God. Any time, any place. He told us in His Word, that if I be lifted up, I will draw ALL men unto me. Every time we pray in His Name in public (or privte for that matter), we lift him up a little higher. Pray on!
I am like Paul tells us about in Romans 1:16: “I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel of Christ…” or of our Lord, either! And those people who are telling others NOT to use Jesus’ name, WHAT are they going to say when they stand before the Lord our God? What will be their answer THEN??? Because He tells us that “EVERY knee shall bow and EVERY toung shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10,11)?.
And this woman who is an athiest and against prayer, let me ask, “HOW is there Creation without a Creator???” Too, let’s back it with FACTS — or can she? She can’t back it with scripture that she doesn’t believe in!
#3 You can mention ANY other “thing” that is worshipped, but NOT God. Well I don’t like that — AT ALL! Oh! Just you wait until these “jerks” stand before Him (God ALMIGHTY) and THEN we will see what’s what, but not while we are here on earth, because it is satan’s. I am SO GLAD that this is NOT my home, I’m just passing through (to my heavenly HOME)
it just goes to show that as much as we christitans keep praying in the name of jesus and do our jobs that the devil and ohters will try any thing to try and stop us but we know that we will win this fight and the devil can not stop us and as much as the devil and others try they will fail and we will win tihs on going fight t procialm the very name of jesus because that is the name that will save them and us!!!!!!!!!
This kind of thing serves us right. We as a country have turned our back on God and his covenant so this does not really surprise me. We are living in an age where people are going to truly have to choose to follow Jesus or just claim to be a Christian.
God is my Father,Jesus died for us all. What is wrong with me saying in the name of Jesus after I pray? I want God to answer me and HIS requirement is to say in Jesus name.I will now and always stand for my God.
I would pray in public and have. I when we go out to eat we always pray out loud. It is a witness and testimony. The Bible tells us not to hide our light under a bushel or basket.
Man becomes quite great in their own estimation when they want to minimize God. Mere man says not to honor the name of the One who created him. We are but dust and will return to dust and we are saying this to the One who is forever, who always was and who always will be? No matter what the consequence of standing up for God Almighty is here, eternity looms ahead. Heaven is the place I look forward to. Man’s approval should mean nothing.
I have a God given and a constitutional right to use in Jesus name anywhere I choose. I follow God’s word and His teaching.
I pray that I would have the guts to do as God led me to do, whatever that is. He has led me many times in the past; sometimes I have been bold, and other times I was a coward. I was once told very gruffly by a supervisor that I could lose my new job for sharing the gospel-as I ran into him immediately after sharing the gospel with someone and knew immediately he had heard every word-then just before I could have a heart attack he shared with me a better way I could tell her about the Lord the next time I saw her! (He was obviously a believer.) I knew then that God was watching over me despite that company’s policy against discussing politics or religion, and he continued to do so while I worked at that job.
It amazes me that sometimes I can be bold and share with a Satanist but other times I am afraid of someone thinking I am stupid. The thing is that the strenth to speak up does not come from me at all. It comes from God and his grace alone. I in myself am a coward to the bone. It’s only when I surrender and get out of the way and let him work through me that the courage comes.
I pray to GOD in the name of Jesus, Because His word tells us to. I am so thankful for JESUS who died for us and rose again to give us eternal life with HIM,for all who put their trust and faith in HIM. Thank you JESUS.
It is a disgrace to GOD, our creator, to restrict the public praise to GOD and Jesus . It is a priveledge to be GODls children and give them public as well as private thanks for their blessings.
In GODS name I PRAISE. AMEN.
Jesus is the Light of the world. If we are to walk in light we must speak of the Light. I will pray the name Jesus out loud even if I am fined or imprisoned. There will come a day when we may all be martyrs. It was prophesied- it will happen. Stand strong for the Name that is above all others. Besides, we all know how the story ends… thank you JESUS.
I pray in Jesus Holy Name, that the Holy Spirit will send His angels so that everyone in this world will come to know that only through Him we will see the Father who is in Heaven. I will never be afraid of anything because Jesus will always be with me, In Jesus Name I pray always.
Amen to all these comments ! I had to realize that I was a Peter at some point. I always believed I was ready to give my life for Jesus – until I saw myself shutting my mouth – even trembling when I should have spoken up. How awful to realize I was a cowered as well ! I was baptized and prayed since, that what happened in the upper room to the apostles – especially to Peter – after Jesus was risen, was what I needed. Peter was no longer the same – He was spirit filled and no longer afraid.
In Acts 4:13 we read : The Name of Jesus Forbidden – 4:18 says : So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
IN ACTS 4:20 PETER CLAIMS : For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
I pray that we, sons and daughters of God, heirs of the throne – will also be able to claim :
For we cannot but speak the things that were given to us by Grace through and by Jesus-Christ the Victor – our Savior and Ruler of our lives. AMEN God bless you all – multiply your faith – protect you and fill you with His Grace.
Let us put on the armor of God – and pray for boldness – In Jesus’s Name AMEN
The United States supreme court, and all federal judges have a truly Higher Court to face, The Lord God Almighty, and His son Jesus Christ. And it’s so perfect to see all 9 Supreme courts justices, and federal and state judges, laying their right hand on The Holy Bible, so we all witness
their great faiths in Jesus Christ. Even the above story of the ruling from the very nicer federal
judge that made his decision of public prayer, not to use the name of Jesus in public, because even the ACLU and all government offices holders “must put their right hand on the Holy Bible, even in courts. “do sware to tell the whole truth, and knothing but the truth so help you God.” then
they say, yes I do! The ACLU goes to court cases, their hands are on the words of God and His
Christ, why does a atheistic person put their hands on Jesus Christ words and Christ’s Bible.
In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was
God. An atheistic person puts money in his or her pocket every day, the money says in God we Trust. Why would a atheis put Holy words in their pockets, it’s nice they do it.
The United States supreme court, and all federal judges have a truly Higher Court to face, The Lord God Almighty, and His son Jesus Christ. And it’s so perfect to see all 9 Supreme courts justices, and federal and state judges, laying their right hand on The Holy Bible, so we all witness
their great faiths in Jesus Christ. Even the above story of the ruling from the very nicer federal
judge that made his decision of public prayer, not to use the name of Jesus in public, because even the ACLU and all government offices holders “must put their right hand on the Holy Bible, even in courts. “do you sware to tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God.” then
they say, yes I do! The ACLU goes to court cases, their hands are on the words of God and His
Christ, why does a atheistic person put their hands on Jesus Christ words and Christ’s Bible.
In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was
God. An atheistic person puts money in his or her pocket every day, the money says in God we Trust. Why would a atheis put Holy words in their pockets, it’s nice they do it.
It’s nice to see the The Words of life of Jesus Christ are in our Hearts or in their pockets, let’s get the word of life return back to the American and her nation. “one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.” God gaves us those rights before our nation was born, only God can take them away.
My heart greaves as I read what the govenment is doing to our freedom. My heart aches when my grandchildren are not allowed to sing or say Christmas carols at school. One teacher asked my 12 year old not to wear her cross as she touched it too many times at school. There is no mention of God, Jesus, but they know what a gay and lesbian is. What kind of sickness is going on. I see my sunday school students say they would rather be at home doing video games then be here and one child saw a cross on the wall and asked what it was. Our fore fathers blessed this country with countinued prayers. I pray each day that our leaders would be guided by our Lord and savior, bless them and guide them in Jesus name Amen
Yes! I would use that name of “Jesus” in my prayer. He is our saviour and Lord. With out Him we can do nothing. Praise the Lord.
Looking at this from a spiritual persepective, it is clear to see why the “name” of Jesus Christ is being attacked. In the “name” of Jesus Christ lies the power of God.
Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. In His name, is salvation, healing, deliverance – whatever we need from Almighty God.
I encourage all those reading this to continue to stand on the Word and speak the name of Jesus Christ at all times.
Whenever I am in public or private I pray in Jesus name, the name that is above all names. I believe most people who are offended don’t even know what our constitution says, let alone what it means. Our schools need to get back to teaching true history of our nation, how it was founded upon the Word of God and even the first public schools used the Bible and a hymnal for text books. Praise the Lord for what this nation really stands for.
my family pray to god for our meals and all he has blessed us with in good times and bad times in all public setings and a lot of times people have told us it was nice to see and hear lov your brother in christ g-man