THE POWER OF

TO ENHANCE YOUR LIFE AND RESTORE AMERICA PRAYERInspired thought-leadership from these and many others:

REAR ADMIRAL VONETTE BRIGHT SENATOR ROMA DOWNEY DR. BEN CARSON SENATOR BARRY C. BLACK TIM SCOTT, SC ORRIN HATCH, UT

“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” II Chronicle 7:14

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times Advocacy Department Table of Contents Prayer itself What is it, how do you pray and what happens when you pray? Can one truly ‘pray without ceasing?’...... 4 The odd, compelling richness of daily prayer ...... 6 Adm (ret). Barry C. Black Ms. Kay Coles James The characteristics of prayer...... 4 Conversations with God getting past the awkward start...... 7 Ms. Vonette Bright Rabbi Daniel Lapin A nation in need of re-harnessing prayer’s power...... 6 The prayer closet...... 7 Ms. Shirley Dobson Rev. Lon Solomon How prayer changes lives Prayer can profoundly change everything, slowly or from one minute to the next Prayer in the times of mountaintops and valleys...... 8 The healing presence of the Holy Spirit...... 15 Senator Tim Scott Dr. Brenda Hunter Calm amid the chaos of troubled Ireland...... 9 The intense intimacy of connection...... 16 Ms. Roma Downey Dr. Art Lindsley The intimacy of prayer in sacred marriage...... 9 Step by step through a day in conversation with God...... 18 Dr. Luonne Abram Rouse Ms. Star Parker The power of the 10-second prayer...... 10 The smart money bets on the reality of prayer ...... 20 LTG (Ret.) William Boykin Mr. Chuck Stetson Prayer changed the trajectory of my life ...... 12 To be healed, first forgive others...... 20

TM EN T Dr. Ben Carson Mr. Walter Wang AR ‘The Circle Maker’...... 12 In gray, tired America ...... 21 Mr. Mark Batterson Dr. Michael T. Ross Y DE P C A Prayer: The source of peace, joy and perspective...... 14 What the Pope’s prayer means to me...... 24 Ms. Sarah Young Father Lawrence Ventline From behind prison bars jailhouse prayer is sincere, powerful, restorative. 15 Helping Muslims fall in love with Jesus...... 24 Mr. Jim Liske Mr. Jerry Trousdale

C on T im e s ADVO America’s story of prayer, then and now How prayer has influenced America’s history; restoring government and military in prayer shi n gt The wall separating faith and public life must be torn down...... 27 America: Still a nation of prayer...... 32 Senator Orrin G. Hatch Ms. Lea Carawan Faith’s role in America...... 28 Mobilizing heavenly forces...... 34 Senator Rand Paul Mr. William J. Federer

T h e Wa ARED BY The freedom to bow our heads and pray in public...... 29 Learn to ‘pray with our legs’...... 35 Senator James Lankford Ms. Penny Nance

T P RE America has always turned to prayer...... 29 Does prayer still work in America?...... 35

ON TIM E S Mr. David Barton Mr. Paul Blair What happens in Room 219...... 30 Adopt a precinct...... 36

SHI N GT Representative Randy Forbes Ms. Shelly Huey A CI A L RE P OR The sound of a billion prayers...... 30 Praying the Gettysburg Address...... 37 A SP E TH E W Mr. Bob Williamson Ms. Rebecca Hagelin

| If my people who are called by my name ...... 31 On our knees...... 38 Ms. Nancy Schulze Ms. Janet Parshall Prayer in nature, culture and art Praying in nature, God’s creation; art and prayer Praying ‘War Room’ into being...... 39 God in the wind and the silence of nature...... 41 Stephen and Alex Kendrick Mr. Rob Keck Desperation drove us to our knees ...... 40 Recommended reading for your spirit...... 42 Mr. Jon Erwin Byron and Beth Borger m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday God is the issue...... 40 Heaven’s geeks...... 43 2 Mr. Brad Bright Mr. Neil Ahlsten A SP E CI A L RE P OR T P RE ARED BY The Wa s h i ng t on T im e s ADVO C THE WASHINGTON TIMES A C Y DE P AR TM EN T | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015

3 prayer itself What is it, how do you pray and what happens when you pray Can one truly ‘pray without ceasing?’ which doesn’t mean nonstop — but bachelor who interacts constantly with actually means constantly recurring. an invisible 6-foot-3-inch rabbit named So, adoration for God In other words, we can punctuate our Harvey. Throughout the entire movie, can enable you to be moments with intervals of recurring Stewart’s character is aware of inter- continuously aware of prayer. acting unceasingly with his imaginary His presence, creating a Ralph Waldo Emerson, the Ameri- friend. can essayist, brings some clarification The eternal God, our friend, isn’t desire to punctuate your on this theme in his sermon “Pray imaginary. The glory of the sunrise days, hours, and minutes Without Ceasing.” Emerson made the and the majesty of the sunset remind with the communion and following observation: “It is not only us that He is alive and well. Songwriter fellowship of prayer. This when we audibly and in form, address Ervin Drake wrote: “Every time I hear our petitions to the Deity that we a newborn baby cry or touch a leaf or adoration can transform pray. We pray without ceasing. Every see the sky, then I know why I believe.” sporadic and stammering secret wish is a prayer. Every house is This song, “I Believe,” reminds us of prayers into a constant a church; the corner of every street is the God to whom our prayers ascend, By Barry C. Black a closet of devotion” (Thevalueofspar- who inspires us to punctuate our lives and characteristic rows.com2014/02/02/). with joyful and recurring intercession. hen I was young, attitude of reverence To illustrate further, while in col- You see, it’s possible to keep your my mother gave and dependence on lege, I fell in love with the woman I mind consciously in God’s presence. my siblings and a higher power. would eventually marry. That romantic Perhaps this is what the psalmist was me 5 cents for experience helped me better frame this suggesting when he declared, “I will each Bible verse biblical command to pray continuously, bless the Lord at all times; His praises we memorized. I was puzzled by this verse, “Pray punctuating one’s life with prayer. will continually be in my mouth” This motivated us without ceasing.” Did Jesus pray I knew intuitively that it’s possible (Psalm 34:1). This may also be what the to look for the “low-hanging fruit” of nonstop? The Bible says (Luke 2) to love without ceasing, for the pres- prophet Isaiah is attempting to empha- short verses, finding in 1 Thessalonians 5 that he was a carpenter for at least 18 ence of one’s beloved engenders recur- size when he says, “God will keep them TM EN T W AR a treasure trove. First Thessalonians 5:16 years before being baptized by John ring adoration. For me, that adoration in perfect peace whose minds focus on states, “Rejoice evermore.” Verse 18 says, in the Jordan River. Surely this work has continued unabated for decades. Him” (Isaiah 26:3).

Y DE P “Always give thanks for this is God’s will prevented Jesus him from continuous So, adoration for God can enable C

A for you.” Verse 19 tells us, “Quench not prayer, yet this Bible verse challenges you to be continuously aware of His Retired Navy Rear Adm. Barry C. Black the Spirit.” Verse 20 enjoins, “Despise us to pray continuously — to bathe our presence, creating a desire to punctu- is the 62nd chaplain of the U.S. Senate. not prophesying.” Verse 22 admonishes, years, months, days and moments with ate your days, hours and minutes with Elected in 2003, he became the first Afri- “Avoid the appearance of evil.” prayer: “Pray without ceasing.” the communion and fellowship of can-American and the first Seventh-day I loved these terse, money-making As I grew and matured spiritually, prayer. This adoration can transform Adventist to hold this position. He was verses. First Thessalonians 5:17, how- I began to believe that it is indeed sporadic and stammering prayers into formerly chief of chaplains of the Navy, C on T im e s ADVO ever, not only provided me with 5 cents possible to pray nonstop. It’s possible a constant and characteristic attitude and chief of the Navy Chaplain Corps. but with a question. The text says, because we can cultivate a spirit that of reverence and dependence on a

shi n gt “Pray without ceasing.” Three simple is habitually devotional, keeping our higher power. words, but what could they possibly hearts attuned to the transcendent. I remember fondly an old 1950s mean? I pondered the question: “Is it The Greek word for “without ceasing” Jimmy Stewart movie, “Harvey.” Stew- possible to pray nonstop?” in 1 Thessalonian 5:17 is adialeiptos, art plays Elwood P. Dodd, an eccentric T h e Wa ARED BY T P RE

ON TIM E S The characteristics of prayer

subject, at the click of your computer History records no significant Jesus said, “If you ask anything in SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR keys. Never before in the history of movement of the Spirit of God that has My name, I will do it” (John 14:14). man have there been so many ques- not been preceded by a strong empha- I believe prayer could change the A SP E TH E W

tions with so few answers. That’s sis on prayer. tide of violence that plagues our world. | because most of the challenges we It is difficult to believe God has an There is no limit to the power of God. face are not the kinds where you can answer for national and worldwide We have recorded evidence that simply consult a search engine. Most needs until we have seen Him provide great spiritual revivals and national of our world’s challenges need spiritual for our own personal needs. Just as we reformations have been ignited and answers, and those answers will come care for our families and their physical fueled by group prayer. only through prayer. needs, we must exercise prayer as the I pray that the people of this I know beyond a doubt that God perfect expression of faith. Once we country will unite as a powerful force By Vonette Bright moved upon my heart with the realiza- begin to see answers to our personal through prayer. tion that through united, specific and prayers, it will be easier to believe God Prayer is the greatest privilege and earnest prayer, we can move the hand for answers to prayers concerning our Vonette Bright is founder of the Na- most revolutionary power available to of God. We can have a part in help- country and the rest of the world. tional Day of Prayer and co-founder

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday the Christian, and God’s Word prom- ing to change the world. That is such As James states, “The reason you of Campus Crusade for Christ. ises us its effectiveness. a powerful thought, and I have seen it don’t have what you want is that you 4 You can find information, on any work. don’t ask God for it” (James 4:2). “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20 AMERICA NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS Let us initiate from this moment a great movement A SP E

in America — the movement to bring God back home. CI A L RE P OR

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building prayer teams in all 435 Congressional Districts. s h i ng t on T im e s ADVO C THE WASHINGTON TIMES A C

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• The Power of Prayer to Enhance Your Life and Restore America | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 Go to AmericanLeadershipAlliance.org Now! or Call (877) 886-4631

Co-sponsored by: American Leadership Alliance • God’s Hope for America Revival • Origins Partnership 5 prayer itself A nation in need of re-harnessing prayer’s power

learned. Even the disciples asked their except by prayer. People do not change around the world. Jesus prays with us as Master to teach them to pray. unless they learn to yield to the Lord as a well, and the Spirit empowers us. The There is no underestimating the impor- result of prayers of others who diligently Spirit of God is praying for us, with us and tance of prayer in a family or its influence beseech God for their salvation. Prayer through us. and vital importance in our nation. I feel can change our hearts, our loved ones and As we pray for our nation, we need to this very strongly because it was so decid- even our society. let God break our hearts with the same edly absent from my own early childhood As we study the Scriptures — on the things that break His heart, never forget- experience. The little girl who I once was truths and promises of the Bible, our at- ting to love deeply the people of our coun- grew up in a troubled home where daily titudes, thoughts and behaviors change. try even though some may be involved in prayers were unknown, and the sounds of We are cleansed from within, and we are gross sins of immorality. The nation will joyful praise were never heard. I’m aware empowered to do battle on behalf of our be reached if the godly will remain faith- By Shirley Dobson of what family-centered spiritual training Lord and the land we love. ful prayer warriors who walk in love and can mean to a child because I discovered it As we pray for our nation, we need to humility before Him. elationship is the core of for myself when I was about 8 years old. let God break our hearts with the same What a privilege it is to serve the Lord effective, powerful prayer. What a contrast to the rich spiritual things that break His heart. in the vital ministry of intercession. As Each of us has been heritage of my husband’s family. He has The very life and death of Jesus are in- Andrew Murray points out, “like Christ, given the ability to come often told me how his grandmother used tercessory prayers for us. By dying for us, give yourself to God as a sacrifice for men: before God’s throne of to gather the six children around her for He interceded on our behalf before God, it is your highest nobility; it is your true grace (Hebrews 4:16) at daily devotions. She prayed, “Lord, it is our heavenly Father. And as He prayed for and full union to Him. It will be to you, any time to communicate my most urgent request that each of these us on earth, he continues to intercede for as to Him, your power of intercession. with our Creator. This is one of the truths children will come to know You person- us before the Father’s throne: Beloved Christian! Come and give your Rthat makes our faith unique, but it can be ally. If one of them fails to make that com- “Wherefore he is able also to save them whole heart and life to intercession, and difficult for our minds to grasp. mitment, it would have been better that I to the uttermost that come unto God by you will know its blessedness and power. On an earthly level, we are not accus- never had been born.” This is the priority him, seeing he ever liveth to make inter- God asks nothing less. The world needs tomed to this kind of unlimited access to she gave to her spiritual responsibility. Her cession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). nothing less. Christ asks nothing less. Let those in authority, but God is different. We prayers made such an impression on Jim’s Through his death, Jesus showed us the nothing less be what we offer to God.” can approach Him in an instant. He wants dad that he referred to them throughout importance of praying for transgressors. to hear from us and is pleased when we his life. By way of example, therefore, He is asking Shirley Dobson is the wife of psychologist TM EN T

AR call. He will never put us “on hold,” tell us This is the example our children need us to intercede in pray for the transgres- and author Dr. James C. Dobson and has He will respond later, leave His phone off to see in us. But it is more than a model. sors of our land. served as chairwoman of the National Day

Y DE P the hook or let an answering machine take Prayer and reverence for God must perme- God is calling us to intercession, but of Prayer Task Force since 1991. Through the C

A our message. ate every aspect of our lives and become a He wants us to be certain that His Word efforts of her team, more than 35,000 prayer Jesus Christ wants a relationship with natural part of our life. is with us as we pray. His Word brings life, gatherings are conducted by approximately us that is built on time spent in His pres- We need to learn how to become a peo- power and faith to our prayers. We must 40,000 volunteers across the country. Several ence and through reading His Word. On a ple of prayer once again. Then and only remember that we are not alone when we million people participate every year in this personal level, we can speak to Him about then will God hear us from heaven and pray — when we intercede for our nation. call to prayer for our nation, its leaders and anything and everything. Yet, although restore and heal our land. It is certain that There is a band of fellow believers who citizens. To learn more or to get involved, C on T im e s ADVO prayer is simple, its principles must be many circumstances cannot be changed, stand with us, both in this country and visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org. shi n gt The odd, compelling richness of daily prayer

perceived problems!” Even bowing my disappointment and pain seem unbear- all loving, Creator God of the Universe! T h e Wa ARED BY head to pray before a meal seemed odd to able. He loves me and cares about the The more I know God, the more my me. Who am I talking to? What on earth details of my life. Miracles are real. God prayer life changes.

T P RE did He have to do with the plate of food hears and answers every prayer. For me, prayer is now far more than

ON TIM E S sitting in front of me? Over the years, I have discovered that a daily ritual. It’s quieting myself as I Through the ministry of the Billy the more I know and experience God, the approach the throne and enter into His Graham Crusades, I found answers. He richer my prayer life becomes. As a young presence. It’s offering up a grateful heart SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR explained that Jesus is real, and worthy of Christian, I would present God with my for the many blessings in my life. It’s giv- our trust. Dr. Graham challenged me (and daily requests/demands. If they were not ing praise and thanksgiving. It’s seeking A SP E TH E W By Kay Coles James

thousands of others that night) to give responded to exactly as I had asked, and comfort for a broken heart or a major | Prayer is really kind of odd when you Jesus all rights to my life. He explained within a timely manner, I was disap- disappointment. It’s asking forgiveness for stop to think about it. Whether spoken that if I took that step of faith, the God of pointed, annoyed and sometimes angry. the sin in my life. It’s seeking divine guid- aloud, or composed in the recesses of your the Universe, through His son Jesus Christ, What good is a God that can’t or won’t ance and wisdom. Its aligning myself with mind, the premise is that you are attempt- and with the power of the Holy Spirit, give me exactly what I want, when I want God’s will for my life. It’s an opportunity ing to communicate with something or would “take up residence in my life.” I had it? to spend time with the God I love, and the someone outside yourself, outside this no idea what that meant or how to ac- After a lifetime of reading and studying God who has demonstrated over a lifetime world! complish it. I just invited Him into my life the Bible, experiencing Gods’ presence in His real and tangible love for me. As a high school senior, I remember and determined to sit back and see what my life, and seeing His reflection in nature, thinking, “If I am going to get down on happened. Almost 50 years ago, I did just music and art, my view of God has radi- Kay Coles James is an author and former my knees, share my innermost thoughts that. And then life happened. cally changed. He is not Santa waiting for presidential appointee who also served as and feelings, plead to God to help solve all Fast forward. my prayers to drift up to the North Pole so Virginia’s Secretary of Health. She currently

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday the high school craziness in my life, then This is what I now know. God is real. that he can start fulfilling my wish list. No, serves on corporate boards and is president I need to know if He is really there, and Sometimes life is wonderful and full of he is the great I AM. He is the Alpha and of the Gloucester Institute, a leadership train- 6 capable of doing anything about all of my happy surprises. Sometimes the hurt, the Omega. The all knowing, all powerful, ing center for young African-Americans. prayer itself Conversations with God getting past the awkward start

which the second governor of the Plym- something in myself. from us than for us each to achieve our outh Colony, William Bradford described Judging or reconciling something potential. Happily, God doesn’t expect this way: about me? Yes, reconciling two separate me to be Moses but He does expect “Though I am growne aged, yet I have images of me; what I think of me and me to be everything He created me to a longing desire to see, with my owne what God thinks of me. This can be a dis- become. Seriously contemplating the gap eyes, something of that most ancient lan- concerting exercise so we must ask what between His view of me and the inade- guage, and holy tongue, in which the law does this have to do with praying. When quate reality is the way to start authentic and Oracles of God were written; and in the Coast Guard must tow to safety a communication. which God and angels spoke to the Holy boat drifting into peril, they need to get This is why both John Adams in Patriarcks of old time; and what names a good strong tow rope across to the March 1798 and Abraham Lincoln in By Daniel Lapin were given to things at the Creation.” stricken vessel. They first throw or shoot March 1863 proclaimed, not merely a (History of the Plantation of Plym- across a light line which the mariners national day of prayer but a national day ome people find that pray- outh, 1651.) use to haul over the heavy rope that will of prayer and humiliation. Humbling ing comes naturally, but for Saying “I pray” in Hebrew is pro- actually be used for the tow. ourselves by openly acknowledging our me that was not true. I am nounced ani mitpaleil. Whereas Abra- In other words, in order to initially failure to achieve God’s vision of our not embarrassed about this; ham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses spoke with make contact a light cord, unsuitable for destiny is a necessary prerequisite for after all, I did not grow up God, it wasn’t until later that people the ultimate task, must nonetheless be prayer. Only by acknowledging God’s naturally able to navigate a had to settle for praying to God. From used to launch the process. Similarly, our expectations of us can we expect God to sailboat or cook an omelet. Scriptural context the word for pray- ultimate intent is to communicate with heed our expectations of Him. I had to be taught these things. But nobody ing evidently really means reconciling God, we nonetheless need some way to Just like navigation and cooking, Staught me how to pray. or judging. Judging and reconciling are establish contact and launch the process. knowing the technique makes all the One thing I had been taught was that really the same idea. Take two apparently The most effective way to start a difference. Once I learned this portal to praying is not just another word for beg- incompatible realities and blend them conversation with our Father in heaven, prayer the relief from existential lone- A SP E ging. When they say there are no atheists into a unified outcome. is to acknowledge that He has expecta- liness I felt was palpable. I may have in foxholes they’re not really talking of Furthermore, this Hebrew verb tions of us. If we just start off with our learned late but now knowing how truly CI A L RE P OR praying; they mean begging. And beg- mitpaleil is what is called a reflexive hopes and expectations of God, we’re just to pray, I have made up for lost time. ging only corrodes the soul. Either the verb, meaning it is something I do to begging. But by first focusing on Him, What is more, I embrace opportunities to passer-by carelessly drops a quarter into myself. Thus, saying “I dress myself” in we open communication. There is no teach others just how to pray. the outstretched hand or he ignores it Hebrew is pronounced ani mitlabeish. communication when that beggar holds T P RE and hurries on by. Either way, the beggar While it is obvious that I dress myself, it out his hand to us. However, if that same Rabbi Daniel Lapin is president of the

is demeaned. By contrast, true prayer is is far less obvious that praying involves beggar attracts our attention by sincerely American Alliance of Jews and Chris- ARED BY The Wa uplifting. something I do to myself. No, not that I asking what he could do for us, authentic tians and author of the best-selling To discover how truly to pray I turned pray to myself of course but that praying communication can result. book, “Business Secrets from the Bible.” to the Hebrew language, his study of to God involves judging or reconciling There is nothing more that God wants His website is YouNeedaRabbi.com. s h i ng t The prayer closet on T im e s ADVO C

we had more churchgoers and fewer true and fervency (Ps 63:1; Lk 22:34). Lord. And then we pray — for ourselves, saints. And it is prayer that makes saints. This is in contrast to our modern for our churches, for our city and for our THE WASHINGTON TIMES Holy character is formed by the power of “prayer-lite.” Praying while we’re shaving, nation. And we beg God for mercy and A

real praying ... We must learn anew the or putting on our make-up, or sitting in ask Him to send revival. I urge you to C worth of prayer. We must enter anew the traffic, or falling asleep between sen- plan to join us in 2016. Y DE P school of prayer.” tences at bedtime. Sure — this is pray- But it is not one, large, public prayer The saints of old constantly referred ing. But it is not powerful praying! It is event that will move mountains for the AR to a place they called their “prayer not earnest, prevailing, fervent prayer. Lord. Rather, it is constant, daily, private TM EN T closet.” It wasn’t a literal “closet,” but Serious prayer, that accomplishes serious “prayer closet” sessions that will do so.

rather, a private place where they got things for God, is serious work. And weekly times of God’s Church gath- | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 on their knees in secret and met with Over the past several years, the Lord ering to pray and seek His face. God. It was a place where they humbled has been speaking me deeply about this I believe that the greatest sin of the By Lon Solomon themselves before God, and confessed in my own life. And He has also been modern church is our prayerlessness. E. M. Bounds, the great man of prayer, their sins before God, and pursued hard helping us begin to build a coalition with The Lord has convicted mine, and I hope wrote: after God. It was a place where they (2 like-minded pastors across the metro He will do the same for you. “Men are God’s method. The church Cor. 7:1) “perfected their own holiness in Washington area. One of the outgrowths Let’s remember: those Christ-follow- is always looking for better methods; God the fear of God.” of this new prayer coalition has been ers who make the mightiest impact on is looking for better men and women! It was a place where they poured out the Washington Prayer Gathering, held their world for the Lord — and who see The Holy Spirit does not flow through their hearts in intercession. It was a place on the past two Columbus Days (2014 the mightiest answers to their prayers methods; He does not come on machin- where they lingered, and persevered, and and 2015 — and planned for 2016) on the — are the ones who are the mightiest in ery; He does not anoint plans, but, rather, contended for their souls as well as the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. their “prayer closets.” men and women — men and women of souls of others. It was a place where the People who love Jesus gather there prayer.” carpet was worn down where their two from every denomination, racial group Rev. Lon Solomon is senior He went on to say: “But never have knees fit. It was a place of earnestness and ethnic background to worship the pastor of McLean Bible Church. 7 how prayer changes lives Prayer can profoundly change everything, slowly, or from one minute to the next. Prayer in the times of mountaintops and valleys

you.” They stood in that courtroom and to settle things on the best and surest displayed for the world the absolute I know in my heart foundation.” best of who we are as Americans. Upon that something special As we continue on that journey to watching this, I immediately thought happened during that build a better nation, I am constantly of the Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6, which touched when a family or group will states, in part “and forgive us our tres- prayer. When I stood ask if they can pray for me. It is always passes, as we forgive those who trespass up, I had found my a humbling moment, because with all against us.” heavenly father. From of life’s issues, they ask to pause to pray The day after the shootings, I was for me. And when they ask me if I have also heartened to see the outpouring of that day forward, the any special requests, nine out of 10 support from folks around Washington importance of prayer times, I ask them to pray for wisdom. I as part of a prayer vigil on the Capitol has become clearer believe that remains the most important grounds. People wanted to come to- for me, and the results thing anyone can put on their prayer list gether as a community and pray for the for public servants at all levels. With victims, their families and our beloved even more powerful. wisdom from God, we can continue By Tim Scott state. Members of Congress, from both to bring people together, address the can still remember the day that I sides of the aisle, staff, South Carolin- who shared that Charleston was a major issues facing America and ensure fully gave my life to Jesus Christ. ians and those who had Charleston on part of their prayer lists and morning our great country remains a city on a It was on Sept. 22, 1983. I had just their minds and in their hearts, paused devotionals. This reinforced to me that, hill. That should be all our prayers. turned 18 and was attending a to weep with and pray for us. as we debate important issues that de- Fellowship of Christian Athletes Because of the nine families and termine the future of our nation, prayer Sen. Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) meeting at Presbyterian College. their strength, we saw our state come is a powerful North Star in Congress. is South Carolina’s junior senator. He TM EN T

AR That day, one of my teammates together perhaps as never before — In fact, in my Washington office hangs serves on the Finance Committee; Health, — JR — held an altar call. Something with faith serving as the glue. I knew a print depicting the first prayer in Education, Labor, and Pensions Com-

Y DE P was different. I went down, got on my then, that with the power of prayer and Congress. It reminds me that prayer is mittee; Banking, Housing, and Urban C

A I knees and prayed. I told God about my the inspiration given to us by the fami- one of the important foundations that Affairs Committee; Small Business and greatest need. I needed for Him to love lies, that our city and state would work helps me work on behalf of our fellow Entrepreneurship Committee; and the me unconditionally, accept me and every single day to replace hate with Americans. I think of that first prayer, Special Committee on Aging. He is also guide me the way a father does. love, pain with kindness and hostility and one of the things they prayed for a longtime member of Seacoast Church I know in my heart that something with good will. was that “Be Thou present, O God of in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and special happened during that prayer. As I returned to Washington, I felt wisdom, and direct the councils of a former member of the church board. C on T im e s ADVO When I stood up, I had found my the love and support of my colleagues, this honorable assembly; enable them heavenly father. From that day forward,

shi n gt the importance of prayer has become clearer for me, and the results even more powerful. Prayer, that simple ongoing con- versation with our heavenly Father, has led me through the mountains and T h e Wa ARED BY valleys of life. The most jarring per- sonal low point since the death of my

T P RE mentor when I was 19 years old came

ON TIM E S earlier this year — the tragic massacre at Emanuel AME in Charleston, South Carolina. SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR That June night, churchgoers were killed in cold blood by a young man A SP E TH E W

whose heart was filled with hate. This | unimaginable act took the lives of nine men and women, each mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters and friends. The Emanuel 9 are now forever etched into our state’s history, and we continue to mourn for them and the future they all should have had. But even in the midst of that dark time, we saw nine families, still reel- ing from grief and pain, show us the true power of faith. During the bond

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday hearing for the man who was accused of murdering their loved ones, they Parishioners at the Emanuel A.M.E. Church Sunday, June 21, 2015, in Charleston, S.C., four days after a mass shooting that claimed the 8 shared three simple words: “We forgive lives of it’s pastor and eight others. (AP Photo/David Goldman, Pool) how prayer changes lives Calm amid the chaos of troubled Ireland

in God that we could find help in time of Thank God that war ended long ago, and watch with broken hearts as the beauty trouble. the people of Northern Ireland no longer of the Greek islands is strewn with the It was during those turbulent years live in fear. My faith is a comfort to me, clothes of fleeing refugees. Fear seems that I learned to pray, and those prayers and I pray today — every day — because strangely close. have carried me through my life with all my father took the time to teach me to We turn to prayer. its joys and sorrows. pray. It is part of my daily practice. To cre- The truth is that when crisis comes, we While my father died when I was ate a space for grace to take time to be still do always pray. It’s our knee-jerk reaction. young — as did my mother before him — and to be with God. Once Jesus decided to teach his disci- he gave me a truly great gift. For he taught These days, I no longer live in a ples about prayer, and he began with these me how to pray. war zone. Many years ago, I moved to four words, “and when you pray ….” One He would huddle us around the dinner America. I love this country and am of those words really strikes me. It’s the By Roma Downey table every night, and — without fail — he grateful for the opportunities I have found word, “when.” He doesn’t say IF you pray. grew up in “the troubles” of North- would pray. here. We live in a time where we are see- He says WHEN you pray; for he expects ern Ireland. It was a terrible time He prayed with thanks for the bless- ing technological and medical progress. us to be praying. of bombs exploding and gunbattles ings we received, and he prayed for A time where almost any impossibility C.S. Lewis said regarding prayer, “I raging in our streets. Sirens wailed, strength and protection in the challenges seems within our reach. We live in a world pray because I can’t help myself. I pray soldiers marched, and I will never we faced. His praying made our home a where cars will soon drive themselves, because I’m helpless. I pray because the forget the fear that would come over refuge in the middle of the chaos that sur- where great and historic diseases seem need flows out of me all the time, waking us when — once again — we had to rounded us, and he taught us that we must to face an inevitable demise, and where and sleeping. It doesn’t change God, it evacuate our school. not take prayer for granted. instantaneous communication makes a changes me.” IOn more than one occasion, we ex- Some of the most precious memories planet filled with 7 billion feel smaller Let’s begin there. At least we can pray, perienced “near misses,” ducking down of my childhood are of slipping my little than ever before. Social media allows us to at least we should pray, and in our prayer behind cars on the way home from school. hand into his, as we prayed together. He share our lives with those we love, and to we may find that elusive peace that the One time, I even found a bullet hole in the taught me that God was always there, be inspired by those we’ve never met. world longs for. Let’s pray that we do. hood of a coat I was wearing after I hid that God is the one person who we can Yet, suddenly — almost from nowhere

behind a tombstone as a gunfight raged always rely upon, and God is the calm in — we seem also to be living in a time of Roma Downey is a celebrated Emmy- and A SP E around me. I was 11 years old and had the storm raging around us. He can grant nearly unprecedented global chaos. Golden Globe-nominated actress and

been at the cemetery laying flowers on my us “peace that passes all understanding” Conflict and pain are inflicting mil- producer best known for “Touched by an CI A L RE P OR mother’s grave. and we can “cast all our cares upon Him lions, wars wage on every continent, and Angel” and “The Bible” series. She is execu- My childhood was a time when no one for He cares for us.” When we prayed, we the worst evil of all time seems to be lurk- tive producer of MGM/Paramount’s epic in Ireland took security for granted. It was were less afraid. When we prayed, we felt ing in the shadows of the places we once reimagining of the classic story “Ben Hur,” a time when we prayed like we meant it calm. thought to be the safest. We feel horror and is president of LightWorkers Media. T P RE because we sometimes felt it was only Ours was a faith tested by war and fear. and disbelief as we weep for Paris. We ARED BY The Wa The intimacy of prayer in sacred marriage

all of existence. Wisdom, discipline and 5:17) as the intentions of God are necessities, forgiving others, defeating s h i ng understanding shall be ushered into revealed. evil and pleasing God (Hebrew 11:5-6) is t

familial relationships as the family prays through sacred intimacy of prayer. on T im e s ADVO C together and in separateness of family RELATIONAL BENEFITS OF PRAYER Sculptured prayer shall be done by members there are individual prayers for There are relational benefits of prayer. people of faith in all places and in all the entire family. Marriage and family Jesus prayed in sacred intimacy (Matthew times. (1 Timothy 2:8) Sculpture prayers in ministry teaches the functional aspects 26:41). The first benefit of prayer is in truth. There is wisdom in connecting John THE WASHINGTON TIMES of prayer for the purpose of guiding the fulfillment of the will of God. The benefit 1:14; 14:6; 18:37 and Proverbs 23:23 with A

relational benefits of prayer. of sacred intimacy is an everlasting com- Psalm 119:72, 127 and 162. My wife, Maria, C munion providing abundance of wisdom and I are blessed in a marriage that is Y DE P FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS OF PRAYER (James 1:5) for persons asking (James 4:2) protected and anointed by intimate prayer. Functional aspects of sacred intimacy and striving to be free of troubles in this Clients, church members, newlyweds AR has to do with asking and receiving. world. (Psalm 34:6) and persons engaged to be married have TM EN T By Luonne Abram Rouse Prayer as revealed in Matthew the 7th Marriages and families are threaten numerous times requested to have what is

Prayer is sacred intimacy. Spending chapter is “asking, seeking and knock- by day-to-day occurrences. Praying is the considered a model marriage. Their desire | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 hours and days with God while mak- ing”, in order to receive. Key to intimate most intimate means of power (Jeremiah is for a haven of peace with love, joy and ing decisions in marriage and building communication with God is wisdom and 33:3) and can transform lives, includ- the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) familial relations is blessed and admirable. understanding of the intent of God, so as ing the lives of the hopeless (Romans So, they ask: “How may we have a model A practice of praying has been meaningful to be disciplined in living in agreement 10:13,14). Thus, sacred intimacy ought to marriage? It is in the intimate relationship to people throughout human history. with sacred principles. (1 John 5:14-15) be in every home and taught at least in the with God that perfection is to be made. In the Biblical book of Genesis, the The image of glorification is the manner that Jesus taught the original dis- fourth chapter and verse 26, the words ac- desirable outcome for couples and ciples as revealed and given in Matthew Luonne Abram Rouse is a United Meth- cording to the King James Version reads: families. Praying to do no harm, sacred 6:9-15. This kind of intimate relation yields odist Pastor, LMFT (Licensed Marriage And to Seth, to him also there was born intimacy promotes the desire to please benefits in the name of the one, who influ- and Family Therapist) and executive a son; and he called his name Enos: then God (Colossians 3:1). The need to know ences people to seek the Kingdom of God board member of the American Clergy began men to call upon the name of the the will of God through prayer is an Old (Matthew 25:31-46) and live guided by Leadership Conference. He is also a Lord. Testament (Jeremiah 29:12-13) instruc- the Holy Spirit (Roman 8:26-27). Fami- Fellow-AAPC, Adjunct Professor. Prayer is intimacy with the Greatest tion, too. Couples and families are to lies are meant to be healthy, loving and Transformer that is possible throughout pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians strong. The great path to meeting daily 9 how prayer changes lives The power of the 10-second prayer “God, I’m asking You not to let these men die.”

families and to an American public that God could save those 45 souls in that was eager to welcome them home. My plea was sincere. wreckage. “Oh God,” I pleaded, “please Now our hopes had turned to disap- They needed a miracle, spare them! They trusted You, Lord! In pointment and desperation as we gazed Jesus’ name, bring them out alive. God, at the burning wreckage of an Air Force and there was no time I’m asking You not to let these men die.” C-130 and a Navy RH-53 helicopter, for a great oration or It was all I could do — and the most which had collided on the ground after for the promises of what important thing I could do. refueling. As the helicopter pilot had I would do in return if My plea was sincere. They needed attempted to reposition after complet- a miracle, and there was no time for ing his refueling from fuel bladders in God would come through a great oration or for the promises of the C-130, he’d lost his equilibrium — he for them. There wasn’t what I would do in return if God would “went vertigo,” in aviation lingo. Lifting even time for me to go come through for them. There wasn’t off, he’d lost control and crashed into through my normal routine even time for me to go through my the C-130, slamming into the top and left normal routine of thanking God for side of the cargo plane. The eruption of thanking God for everything He’d already done for me By William “Jerry” Boykin was immediate; aviation fuel exploded everything He’d already in the past, or for telling Him what a in the helicopter, engulfing the C-130 in done for me in the past.... worthless sinner I was (as if He didn’t Dasht-e Kavir, Iran — April 24, 1980 — a massive ball of high-octane fire. know). And no time for pomp or style 22:30 hours. Initially, I turned to run as I felt the Only 18 hours earlier, I had stood or fancy words. Those men needed this stood watching in disbelief as heat and saw pieces of metal flying with these men in an old Russian MiG miracle now. flames reached skyward into the out into the desert. But I didn’t go far, base in Wadi Qena, Egypt, as we prayed So, there it was, my 10-second prayer. darkness of the Iranian desert. only a few steps, before I became fully for God to go with us on this mission. And it was all I had to offer. “Over to The Delta Force was here — in aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit. I’d led the prayer that morning before You now, God.” this remote spot about a 100 miles I even sensed Him calling me to stop we launched the operation, petition- Suddenly, the right troop door of TM EN T

AR from the Iranian capital, Tehran and turn back toward the wreckage. I ing God to keep His hand of protection the C-130 opened. I could barely see — because we’d been directed by spun around, knowing that an explosion upon us. And now I was watching those through the flames, but instantly I

Y DE P President Carter to rescue 52 American would come quickly when the fuel in same men die a fiery death while I stood saw the miracle take shape. Forty-five C A Idiplomats being held by a group of radical the C-130 finally ignited. Then the real- helplessly by. men jumped one by one through those students at the U.S. Embassy in the capital. ity hit me: Forty-five Delta Force men It took only seconds before I instinc- flames and out onto the desert floor, This was a refueling stop before we made were trapped inside the wreckage with tively began pleading with God for the then ran from the crash like a redbone our final night assault on the embassy to no way out and no chance to survive the lives of these men. My prayer was that hound on the scent of a raccoon. bring our fellow Americans back to their fire. And I could not help them. of a desperate man who knew that only “Yes, Lord — thank You, Lord! You are so awesome, God!” I spoke the C on T im e s ADVO words aloud as I ran to greet these men and to help direct them to the safety of

shi n gt the other C-130s some distance away. Does God hear and answer every prayer we pray as believers in Him? Yes. Sometimes His answer is “yes,” sometimes it’s “no,” and many times His answer is, “Wait.” T h e Wa ARED BY All things are done — and all prayers are answered — according to God’s

T P RE loving grace and His will in our lives.

ON TIM E S We may not understand His plan or His reasons for how our prayers are answered, but rest assured God has a SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR plan. Many times I have found signifi- cant opportunities for those 10-second A SP E TH E W

prayers, sustaining my life and faith and | pushing me forward to fulfill the plan He’s set out for me. And that plan definitely includes an ongoing relationship between you and Him that is marked every day by your prayers … and His answers.

Lieutenant General William “Jerry” Boykin (U.S. Army ret.), was one of the original members of the elite Delta Force. After a military career

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday of 36 years, he now serves as execu- tive vice president at the Family Re- 10 search Council in Washington, D.C. A SP E CI A L RE P OR T P RE ARED BY The Wa s h i ng t on T im e s ADVO C THE WASHINGTON TIMES A C Y DE P AR TM EN T | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015

11 how prayer changes lives Prayer changed the trajectory of my life

education. She herself had little educa- God in prayer. In spite of the daily de- I am encouraged because on the tion. But she knew that it was the key to mands of raising over 10 children at any campaign trail, I have met thousands of a better life. She prayed for wisdom on given time, Susanna Wesley’s prayers fellow Americans who understand in how to help us escape the bonds of pov- served as the guiding force in the lives of real and tangible ways the true power erty and crime that surrounded us. God’s John and Charles Wesley. of prayer and the importance of praying counsel during my mother’s prayer time Just as God transforms the hearts for our nation and our leaders. I believe changed the course of my life. Mother of young men through prayer, prayer that the success of my campaign is be- required my brother and me to read can be the tool to transform communi- cause of Americans praying for me, my books and to write written reports on ties and the leadership and direction of family and my campaign staff every day. each book. A deep love of learning and nations. I am humbled and grateful to receive discovering new ideas was born. The need for prayer and the divine those prayers. I can recall time after time, when guidance, protection and benefit that During times of crisis our nation the power of prayer changed my life prayer provides is as needed today as turns to prayer in moments of silence for good. There was a time in my youth it has ever been. I believe that prayer and in ceremonies. I long for a day when I had an erratic and violent tem- changes the hearts and minds of people when we as a nation grasp prayer by By Ben Carson per. It is to God’s glory that prayers were who are prayed for, that prayer changes leaders and the citizenry as more than grew up in a home that offered daily answered so completely that today, there the circumstances for the impoverished just symbolic reverence but as genuine proof of the power of prayer. I look is no trace of that angry youngster. He is and downtrodden, and that prayer appreciation for the favor which God has back at the remarkable experiences so far from who I have been in the last changes the strength of those who lavished on our land. of my life, and I know without ques- half century that the mainstream media intercede in prayer for others. Just as I take God at His word. I know that tion that my mother’s daily prayers finds it hard to believe that he ever much I believe we grow closer to God as America will hear from heaven and God interceding on behalf of my brother existed. But those who have experienced we pray. I also believe we grow closer to will heal our land when we seek his face and me changed the trajectory of our the power of prayer know that when those for whom we pray, and we grow and humble ourselves in prayer. lives. Raised in dire poverty in inner city God fixes a problem, he doesn’t just do a closer to those with whom we pray. IDetroit and Boston, the options available paint job. He fixes the problem. Our leaders once walked in the full Dr. Benjamin Carson, Sr. was direc- to me were limited. But my mother fully I am only one of many whose lives understanding of what it meant for tor of pediatric neurosurgery at the understood that through prayer and peti- are marked by the power of prevailing this nation to be founded based on Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for 29 tion, we could present our requests to God prayer. The great ministers John and Judeo-Christian values. There was a years. He is currently running for the TM EN T

AR whose power is limitless. Charles Wesley attribute the positive time when our leaders joined everyday Republican presidential nomination. During her prayer time, God im- direction of their lives to the determina- citizens by humbling themselves and

Y DE P pressed upon her the importance of tion of their mother to spend time with praying for the nation. C A ‘The Circle Maker’ C on T im e s ADVO Never underestimate the power of a single prayer! shi n gt grace with confidence.” Translation: God the best you can do and the best God Of course, it’s not about buildings. honors bold prayers because bold prayers can do. Prayer is the difference between Technically speaking, you can’t go to honor God. Truth be told, the greatest you fighting for God and God fighting church because you are the church. The tragedy in life are the prayers that go for you. Prayer is the difference between greatest miracles are the thousands of unanswered because they go unasked. letting things happen and making things people who have discovered the trans- T h e Wa ARED BY It’s the story of Honi that inspired me happen. forming power of God’s grace in those to write “The Circle Maker.” And that In 1996, my wife and I started pastor- physical spaces and places! Each one is

T P RE book has inspired some bold prayers. ing National Community Church. It was an answer to prayer!

ON TIM E S I’ve met NFL coaches who are circling small group of nineteen people, but we James 4:2 says, “You do not have By Mark Batterson their stadiums; congressmen who are prayed bold prayers. Nearly two decades because you do not ask.” circling the Capitol; realtors who are cir- later, NCC is one church with eight What do you need to start circling in SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR In the first century B.C., a severe cling their listings; and students who are campuses in the Washington, D.C. Metro prayer? Maybe it’s your children; a situ- drought in Israel threatened an entire circling their schools. One of my favorite area. God has blessed us beyond our ation at work; or a God-ordained dream. A SP E TH E W

generation. In desperation, the people stories is the man who decided to circle wildest dreams, but that certainly isn’t Or perhaps, it’s one of God’s promises. | asked a Jewish sage named Honi to pray his bank, praying for a financial miracle, a testament to us. It’s a testament to the One prayer can change anything. One for rain. What he did next became leg- until the police showed up! Be careful power of prayer. prayer can change everything. Go ahead end, as recorded in the Talmud. With the what you circle! On a hot August day in 1996, I felt and work like it depends on you, but faith of Elijah, Honi drew a circle in the The physical act of circling isn’t prompted to pray a circle around Capitol make sure you pray like it depends on sand and prayed this prayer: “Sovereign what’s important, though there is biblical Hill. It was inspired by the promise in God. Lord, I swear before your great name precedent. The Israelites circled Jericho Joshua 1:3: “I will give you everywhere that I will not leave this circle until you thirteen times over seven days before you set your foot.” That 4.7-mile prayer Mark Batterson is the author of The have mercy upon your children.” the walls came down. walk was the catalyst for the miracles New York Times best-seller, “The Circle As his prayer ascended to heaven, Circling in prayer is less about God has done since. It’s no coincidence Maker,” and founder and pastor of the rain descended on the earth. Ultimately, a geometric shape, and more about that we own several properties right on National Community Church, with Honi the Circle Maker was honored “for persistence in prayer. Sometimes you that prayer circle — Ebenezer’s Cof- eight locations in DC and Northern

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday the prayer that saved a generation.” have to pray through until you break feehouse (201 F Street, NE), the Miracle Virginia. One of the church’s core be- Our prayers should not be timid. He- through. And when you do, you discover Theatre (535 8th Street, SE), and the Blue liefs is that the church ought to be the 12 brews 4:16 says, “Approach the throne of that prayer is the difference between Castle (770 M Street, SE). most creative place on the planet. A SP E CI A L RE P OR T P RE ARED BY The Wa s h i ng t on T im e s ADVO C THE WASHINGTON TIMES A C Y DE P AR TM EN T | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015

13 how prayer changes lives Prayer: The source of peace, joy and perspective

my prayers for the readers of all my books have increased — in length and in scope. These prayers have grown to the extent that I now consider them one of the main responsibilities (and pleasures) that God has for me each day. I plan to continue this practice as long as I am alive and able. A vital part of prayer is giving thanks to God. As I have spent time in His presence — praying, reading Scrip- ture and writing — the importance of thankfulness has been impressed upon me more and more. This theme is reflected in my devotional books. Since this is the Thanksgiving season, I’d like By Sarah Young to share an excerpt from Jesus Calling on this theme. The excerpt below is ver the years, people written from the perspective of Jesus have asked me about speaking to you, the reader: my daily prayer prac- “Walk with Me along the high road tices. Prayer is so much of thanksgiving. To protect your thank- a part of who I am that fulness, you must remember that you it’s quite a challenge for reside in a fallen world, where bless- me to answer that ques- ings and sorrows intermingle freely. tion. Nonetheless, I will try. A constant focus on adversity defeats I get a head start on my day by many people. They walk through a TM EN T O AR praying before I get out of bed in the day that is brimming with beauty and morning. Soon after I get up, I go into brightness, seeing only the grayness of

Y DE P our sunroom, where I pray at length their thoughts. Neglecting the practice C

A for readers of all my books. Then I of giving thanks has darkened their read the day’s entry in Jesus Call- minds. How precious are My chil- ing and pray specifically for all those dren who remember to thank Me at who are reading it, including readers all times. They can walk through the of the children’s version. After that, I darkest days with Joy in their hearts continue praying while I walk on the because they know that the Light of C on T im e s ADVO treadmill in our sunroom. All of this My Presence is still shining on them.” happens before I have breakfast. My As you ponder the place of prayer

shi n gt prayers continue throughout the day in your life, I encourage you to give in various ways — interwoven with my thanks to God daily and intention- daily routines. ally. Something that has helped me for I also like to pray with other people many years is keeping a Thanks Book — especially my husband and close — a notebook where I jot down each friends. I have a dear friend who helps day a few things that I’m grateful for. T h e Wa ARED BY teach a weekly Bible study to incarcer- bring about results that are unexpected stress and anxiety. It is wise to ask Him As you give thanks to God more and ated women. Before she makes the long and even more wonderful than getting to help you see things — including more, be on the lookout for an increase

T P RE drive to the prison, she comes over the answer we had hoped for. Prayer your problems — from His perspec- in your joy.

ON TIM E S to pray with me in the sunroom. This changes us as we communicate with tive. It’s so comforting to know that provides encouragement for both of us. God — gradually transforming us into God is with you in the midst of your Sarah Young’s devotional writings are Our prayers give her confidence as she the ones He designed us to be. Also, as difficulties. personal reflections from her daily SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR prepares to go to the prison, and she quiet time of Bible reading, praying assures me that I am an integral part of and writing in prayer journals. With A SP E TH E W

the Bible study through my prayers. Jesus Calling grew out of my personal prayer life, sales of more than 15 million books | It is important for all of us to take my many years of writing in prayer journals. As soon worldwide, “Jesus Calling”® has ap- time to quiet our minds and commu- as this devotional book was published, I started peared on all major best-seller lists. nicate with God. The more hectic our Sarah’s writings include “Jesus Call- lives, the more we need this time to praying daily for readers, and I have never stopped. ing,”® “Jesus Today,”™ “Jesus Lives,”™ connect with Him. Sometimes it helps Over the years, my prayers for the readers of all my “Dear Jesus,” “Jesus Calling® for Little to have a special place in your home books have increased — in length and in scope. Ones,” “Jesus Calling® Bible Storybook,” where you can be still and pray with- “Jesus Calling®: 365 Devotions for Kids,” out interruptions. As I’ve mentioned, we pray, we are reminded that He is in Jesus Calling grew out of my per- and “Peace in His Presence” — each the sunroom in our home is that spe- control. sonal prayer life, my many years of encouraging readers in their journeys cial place for me. A sense of nearness to God is per- writing in prayer journals. As soon as toward intimacy with Christ. Sarah One reason people neglect prayer is haps the most delightful blessing you this devotional book was published, I and her husband were missionaries in

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday that it may not lead to the desired out- can receive through praying persis- started praying daily for readers, and Japan and Australia for many years. 14 come quickly (if ever). But prayer can tently. Another benefit is relief from I have never stopped. Over the years, They currently live in the United States. how prayer changes lives From behind prison bars jailhouse prayer is sincere, powerful, restorative

his purposes and allow them the privilege same, and a prisoner’s thoughts can get the prisons and all who live and work in of joining his work. stuck in an endless loop of self-loathing, them are safer. Prisoners’ families see real The Lord’s Prayer shows us that when “what-ifs” or resentment against the world. change in their loved ones. The justice we communicate with God, it’s not primar- But by using that surplus time to pray like system is more effective. That all happens ily to “change his mind” about something Jesus, incarcerated people can be delivered because prayer doesn’t change God, it but to allow him to change us. As we seek from their own selfishness and shame and changes us. It happens because God’s king- By Jim Liske God in habitual, private prayer, allowing enabled to focus on God’s fresh vision dom is a place of peace and hope, and he our focus to dwell on his leadership and for their lives. To ask God’s “kingdom to brings it through hearts and lives that seek he most famous prayer in the will, we find our hearts and wills increas- come and will be done” for an incarcer- to partner with him in making it happen. Bible is the one we call the ingly aligned with his. When we ask God ated person means asking for forgiveness Prayer can change the world if the one Lord’s Prayer. The people to change our spouse or child, he makes and offering restitution. It means to stop who prays allows it to change him first. Jesus chose to be his closest us better partners and parents. When we breaking the law and help catalyze a cycle When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, friends and followers asked pray for our enemies, we develop hearts of of renewal and redemption. he taught them to ask for their needs to be him how they could pray like forgiveness and empathy. When we pray Prison Fellowship helps teach many met so that they could be the agents of his him — with power. They had for the struggling, he inspires us to serve. prisoners to build new lives based on the restorative work to the ends of the earth. grown up in a time with plenty of ritual- In my years serving as the head of life and teachings of Jesus Christ. They are When we pray as he did, that God would Tistic, public prayer but few visible results. Prison Fellowship, the organization Chuck trained to be disciples. (This is nothing give us all we need to serve and love, our As they had followed Jesus, however, they Colson founded in 1976, I have witnessed new, by the way; among Jesus’ closest families, our neighborhoods and our world had seen a man who prayed in private and the transformative power of this kind of friends and followers were former prosti- are all restored. When those behind bars was a conduit for miracles of healing and prayer in the lives of men and women be- tutes, embezzlers and the like.) As part of pray for their victims to be healed, their transformation. hind bars. When prisoners really begin to their training, these men and women are cellmates to be safe and the correctional Many elements of the prayer would pray, asking God’s kingdom to invade their encouraged to study and practice Jesus’ officers to be blessed, their behaviors have sounded very familiar to Jesus’ prison cells and turning away from the life of prayer. change to disrupt the prevailing prison A SP E disciples: the worship of God as their heav- thoughts and behaviors that landed them Sure enough, praying like Jesus helps culture and usher in God’s peace. enly father, the confession of errors and in prison, they change. to change their thoughts, attitudes and be- That’s the power of prayer. CI A L RE P OR the supplication for daily needs. But some In one way prisoners have an advan- haviors. After they are released, men and parts of Jesus’ prayer were unique. Instead tage over you and me when it comes women who have been involved in this Jim Liske is president and CEO of Prison of asking God to bless their own plans, to prayer: Prayer takes time. That’s one intensive, faith-based programming are far Fellowship, founded by Chuck Colson, Jesus asked God to bring the values and thing you and I have in short supply, but less likely to commit a new crime. the nation’s largest outreach to prison- T P RE realities of his kingdom into their broken incarcerated people have in abundance. When prisoners pray, learn to love their ers, former prisoners and their families.

world. Jesus also asked God to accomplish Prison is infinitely boring. Every day is the enemies and seek God’s will for their lives, ARED BY The Wa

The healing presence of the Holy Spirit s h i ng t

or comment comes to mind. Other times kitchen table in the throes of decision prepare to put him on life support. on T im e s ADVO C as I am about to say something, I hear an making about which treatment plan to Each Sunday of that month my sweet internal voice caution, “Don’t say that.” pursue. husband asked the healing prayer team at I have, on rare occasions, felt the strong My surgeon had told me that if I did our Anglican church to lay hands on his presence of the Holy Spirit in my office not follow his protocol, I would probably head and pray for him. Oh, how he loved THE WASHINGTON TIMES and wondered if my clients, some unbe- be dead within 10 years. Yet, I desper- their earnest prayers! After four weeks A

lieving, felt a presence as well. ately wanted to find a different path. That Don had another CAT scan and this one C I could not do my work without the morning I prayed the prayer of King looked better. Then the neurosurgeon Y DE P power of prayer. Clients sometimes come Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament who, said, “Let’s wait a few months and take with such angst — a history of abuse, when he was surrounded by vast armies another look.” AR By Brenda Hunter betrayal by a lover or a spouse, cancer, of Moabites and Ammonites, cried out That was four years ago. Recently, TM EN T Prayer is like breathing. I breathe depression, chronic pain. The list goes on. to God, saying, “We do not know what to my husband’s internist said, “Don, I have

prayer in, and I breathe prayers out to a Sometimes they weep; sometimes they do, but our eyes are upon you.” Within younger patients who have had as severe | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 heavenly Father, believing that He hears rage. Often they need help with the transi- two weeks I had found the physician who a concussion as you, but none have come every word and that, on His timetable, He tions in their lives. guided me back to health. back like you have. You need to thank the will respond. As part of our daily ritual, While I feel privileged to hear their More recently, I have witnessed the man upstairs.” We do. We give thanks. We my husband and I begin our day with stories, I realize that I am only human and power of prayer in my husband’s life. One pray. We breathe. prayers lifted high for family, friends, that my knowledge and training make summer’s day Don fell, running across ourselves. Throughout the day I breathe me, at best, a witness to their grief and the grass. Within four days he was hav- Brenda M. Hunter, Ph.D., is a psychologist out short prayers, feeling peace settle in a counselor. For them to move forward, ing facial seizures. He had a subdural and internationally published author of my soul. they must make new choices. And, unbe- hematoma and the neurologist could not twelve books, including “Home by Choice,” As a psychologist in private practice, knownst to some, God is waiting in the control the bleeding into his cranium. “In the Company of Women,” “From Santa I pray that I will be a conduit God uses wings of their lives to help. That was in July. By December Don’s to Sexting” and “Staying Alive,” a com- to touch my clients’ lives. Sometimes I learned about the power of prayer CAT scan showed the bleeding had not prehensive primer on fighting cancer. when I listen to their heartbreak and 18 years ago when I was diagnosed with stopped and the pressure on his brain was feel their pain wash over me, I whisper breast cancer. I will never forget the so severe he listed to one side when he internally, “Lord, help me,” and a question morning my husband and I sat at our walked. One physician even told me to 15 The intense intimacy of connection

pronounced. Transliterated, it was Abraham ceased to pray. importance of prayer in all kinds of cir- YHWH — only consonants. It (the four When you see these examples, it is cumstances. This is not merely a duty, letters) is called the “Tetragrammaton.” no surprise that believers pray. In fact, though, but ought to be a matter of Even today, many Jews, when they there are many throughout history who desire. When believers throughout the write about God, write it as G-d, again are models of prayer. It is said that ages have experienced an encounter because He is so transcendent and holy John Wesley (founder of Methodism) with God, they find it not only unfor- that He should not be approached in an would regularly pray four hours a day. gettable but something that increases intimate and personal manner. Martin Luther prayed an hour a day, their desire to pray. By contrast, Jesus, in addressing and on particularly busy days prayed On New Year’s Eve in 1740, John God as “Father” in prayer, did some- two hours because he needed close- Wesley and a number of others were thing unique and controversial in his ness with God even more. However, praying late into the night, and he said day. Joachim Jeremias argues that there you cannot count the value of prayer that God came down in a special, pow- is no parallel to anyone addressing God merely by the time spent. If you just erful way and they were amazed. They as Father in prayer before, during or measure prayer by a stopwatch, you began to sing the “Te Deum,” a hymn of after Jesus’ time until A.D. 974 in Italy. miss the main point — intimacy with praise, to God. By Art Lindsley Jesus repeatedly addresses God God. I had a similar experience when I as “Father” and encourages us to do was part of a Young Life leadership any of the cultured the same. This promise of an intimate house. We had various leaders for this despisers of religion relationship with a loving Father Nothing seems too high school ministry living together. in our day wonder, encourages us to bring not just oc- great, too hard, or too Almost every night, we would read why is there all casional things or major concerns, but Scripture together and pray before this concern about everything to Him. Jesus tells us to difficult for prayer to do. going to bed. One night, we read Acts prayer? After all, is “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; It has obtained things Chapter 2 (about Pentecost) and got belief in God not seek, and you shall find; knock, and it that seemed impossible down on our knees to pray. All I can merely wish fulfillment at best and a shall be opened unto you. For everyone and out of reach. It has say is that God came down and rested Mmild dementia at worst? I suppose if who asks receives; and he who seeks won victories over fire, on us from 11:30 p.m. till 4 a.m. The God did not exist we would have to finds; and to him who knocks it shall presence and power of God was so come up with an explanation for the be opened.” air, earth and water. strong that we didn’t want to move — TM EN T

AR prevalence of religious faith. But such Just as earthly fathers give their Prayer opened the Red just bask in His presence. I have had psychological charges beg the question children good things to eat and not Sea. Prayer brought many other touches of God’s presence

Y DE P of whether there is a God or not. harmful things, so will God give good but never so much or so long. Each C

A Is there evidence that God exists? things to those who ask. If we ask him water from the rock of the people present that night went Contrary to the new atheists (Harris, for a loaf, he won’t give us a stone. If and bread from heaven. on to extensive ministries around the Hitchens and Dawkins), there is over- we ask him for an egg, he won’t give us Prayer made the sun world. whelming evidence of His existence. a scorpion (Luke 11:11-12). In fact, Jesus The experience and power of prayer There is no space to rehearse that promises in an unqualified fashion, stand still. Prayer are part of the evidence for the reality evidence here. But just suppose, for the “How much more shall your heavenly brought fire from the of God’s existence. You might expect C on T im e s ADVO sake of argument, there is such a case Father give the Holy Spirit to those sky on Elijah’s sacrifice. arguments from reason, history, ethics for the existence of a God who desires who ask Him?” (Luke 11:13). With that Prayer turned the and correspondence to aspirations

shi n gt a personal relationship with us, then kind of promise, no wonder believers in personal and public life. But one what place would prayer have in that are so intent on prayer. counsel of Ahithophel empirical way to test the truth of faith worldview? J.C. Ryle, an Anglican bishop from into foolishness. in Jesus is through the experience of C.S. Lewis puts the options starkly. the 19th century (1816-1900), wrote a prayer. Many have come to faith as a He says that if Christianity is false it classic chapter on “Prayer” in his book That’s why there is such a stress result of an encounter with God. Ask “is of no importance, and, if true, of “Practical Religion” that may be the on the danger of neglecting prayer. for the Holy Spirit’s presence, only T h e Wa ARED BY infinite importance. The one thing it best summary of the importance of Jesus tells his disciples to watch and watch out, you might get it. cannot be is moderately important.” prayer ever written. Ryle gives numer- pray lest they succumb to the weak- C.S. Lewis said, “I believe in Chris-

T P RE Note that faith in Christ, if true, is ous examples of the power of prayer in ness of the flesh (Matthew 26:41). The tianity as I believe that the sun is risen,

ON TIM E S of infinite importance. In such a faith, Scripture: Apostle Paul warns us to beware when not only because I see it, but because what would be the center, the most im- Nothing seems too great, too hard, we think we are standing lest we fall (I by it I see everything else.” It is the way portant thing about it? In the history of or too difficult for prayer to do. It has Corinthians 10:12). Many people fall in faith comprehensively fits with reality SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR the church, various contenders emerge: obtained things that seemed impos- private before they fall in public. There in thought, practice and experience faith, thanksgiving, repentance, faith- sible and out of reach. It has won is a tendency for prayer to drive out sin that has compelled so many believers A SP E TH E W

fulness, freedom and love. A case could victories over fire, air, earth and water. or sin to drive out prayer. Ryle writes: to pray. | be made for each one of these. Yet at Prayer opened the Red Sea. Prayer Bibles read without prayer, ser- the root, all these involve a responsive- brought water from the rock and bread mons heard without prayer, marriages The Rev. Dr. Art Lindsley is vice presi- ness to God, invocation, calling on His from heaven. Prayer made the sun contracted without prayer, journeys dent of Theological Initiatives at the name. The Lord’s Prayer is an example stand still. Prayer brought fire from the undertaken without prayer, residences Institute for Faith, Work & Econom- of this. It is rightly central in many sky on Elijah’s sacrifice. Prayer turned chosen without prayer, friendships ics where he oversees the develop- worship services. the counsel of Ahithophel into foolish- formed without prayer, the daily act ment of a theology that integrates This prayer begins, “Our Father, ness. Prayer overthrew the army of of prayer itself hurried over or gone faith, work and economics. Formerly who art in heaven.” Although it might Sennacherib. Well, might Mary, Queen through without heart — these are president and senior fellow at the C.S. seem bland and ordinary to us today, of Scots say, “I fear John Knox’s prayers the kinds of downward steps by which Lewis Institute, he is an editor and when it originated it was radical and more than an army of 10,000 men.” many a Christian descends to a condi- contributing author for the recently offensive. In Jesus’ time, the name for Prayer has healed the sick. Prayer has tion of spiritual palsy or reaches the released book, “For the Least of These:

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday God in Hebrew, Yahweh, was not writ- raised the dead. So long as Abraham point where God allows him to have a A Biblical Answer to Poverty.” ten with the vowels present because asked mercy for Sodom, the Lord went tremendous fall. 16 it was so holy that it could not be on giving. He never ceased to give till Thus, believers stress the Interviews & Conservative Commentary with Drake & Serena Travis

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Sign up for free at ipdb.net 17 how prayer changes lives Step by step through a day in conversation with God

read through year after year and just In fact, the Lord is so intimate in come in, to Lord how can I pray for the recently downloaded on my phone to our details that He told Jeremiah to tell personal needs of each and every one of lighten my suitcase. us, “I know the thoughts that I think Cure’s 3,500 donors today?” Because yes, this is my daily morning toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of Prayers change because life on this routine even when on the road (all ex- peace and not evil, to give you a future side of eternity is constant change. cept the wall scriptures and the dishes). and a hope.” But our hope and future is on the Others, some perhaps having gone One secret that many, many people other side of eternity, and I have grown much deeper with understanding Christ for many, many generations from many, to believe that the author prayer never than I, may believe that prayer is much many backgrounds from all around the changes. more complicated. And that’s OK with world have discovered — is that God His answers are always in His word. me. tucked all of the answers to all of life’s God’s revelation to Elijah after dur- I know a lot of people that others questions and problems and joys and ing exhaustion he poured out his heart know too, and we each have unique yet prayers in the Bible. in prayer according to 1 Kings 19:11? special relationships and ways we com- But sometimes, unless you have de- “Then He said, ‘Go out, and stand municate with one another. veloped a habit to daily read it, God can on the mountain before the Lord.’ And I recently attended the funeral of seem very hidden and very silent. behold, the Lord passed by, and a great By Star Parker a mentor of mine from The Heritage One beauty of prayer is that it can and strong wind tore into the moun- rayer is a conversation with Foundation and, after listening to those always change. tains and broke the rocks into pieces God. who knew him well, I’m convinced that One beauty of God is that He does not. before the Lord, but the Lord was not I’ve grown to believe he has a comedian star in his heavenly I can guarantee that my prayer the in the wind; and after the wind an it’s really this simple. So upon waking up each day, I start the day in prayer because I say TM EN T

AR out loud, “I want to thank you, Lord, for this day and for another privilege and

Y DE P P opportunity to serve You.” C

A The first words He says back are in my bathroom. “You are the light of the world” the beautiful picture reads. I clipped and framed it from a free calendar years ago. Matthew 5:14 is really small under C on T im e s ADVO this scripture, so I usually don’t read that part because my reading glasses are

shi n gt nowhere close by. As I make my way downstairs to brew my coffee and do the dishes from the day before, I’m usually talking to Him the whole time about what kind of light I can be today. T h e Wa ARED BY This is the point where I realize I should check my calendar to see what

T P RE my assistant has booked me to do that

ON TIM E S day. God says the same thing many mornings in response to me because SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR the stone plaque over my coffee pot is Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with A SP E TH E W

all your heart and lean not on your | own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your crown, but I knew him 20 years and day after I chose to leave welfare was earthquake, but the Lord was not in the paths straight.” don’t recall him ever telling me any of very different from my prayer the day earthquake: and after the earthquake a Next, I sit down with my coffee and those jokes. after my 14-year-old daughter died. Or fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and my Bible and start to read the Psalm Maybe the real difference in sorting my prayer two years later upon the after the fire a still small voice.” and Proverb for that day. through distinctions and characteris- birth of my first grandchild. My daily Proverb reading King tics of prayer between folks who seek (And now I have two grandchildren, Star Parker is founder and president Solomon outlined in 31 chapters, one for God though prayer is in the way God so added to my prayer list is for enough of the Center for Urban Renewal and each day. chooses to speak back. grandmommy kisses to share. And for a Education (urbancure.org) and black- For my daily Psalm, I depend upon One can pray and pray and pray yet husband to share life and prayers with.) communitynews.com, with headquarters Tyndale House, which published “The think their prayers are not even being Even prayers for my business have in Washington, D.C. She is also an au-

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday One Year Book of Psalms” with devo- heard or answered. changed from “Lord, please let this one thor, news commentator and nationally tionals written by William J. Petersen Oh, trust me. God has heard and has donor check of the month clear the bank syndicated columnist with Creators. 18 and Randy Petersen, a book I have now answered all of your prayers. before the ones I’ve written against it A SP E CI A L RE P OR T P RE ARED BY The Wa

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19 how prayer changes lives The smart money bets on the reality of prayer

Pensees, published after his death. Prayer also does something ben- In “The Wager,” Pascal posited that Prayer also does eficial. It recognizes that we need to humans all bet with their lives either something beneficial. It be humble. If we don’t need anything, that God exists or that He does not. recognizes that we need we can have lots of pride and treat Based on the assumption that the stakes people badly. If we are truly needy, are eternal if God exists and that there to be humble. If we don’t and I haven’t yet found anyone who is at least a probability that God in fact need anything, we can isn’t needy at some level, humility exists, Pascal argues that a rational have lots of pride and might be a much better approach. We person should live as though God exists need to respect others, acknowledge and seek to believe in God. If God does treat people badly. If we that we don’t know everything, ask for not exist, such a person will have only are truly needy, and I forgiveness when we have misbehaved a finite loss, perhaps some pleasures or haven’t yet found anyone toward others and ask for guidance. luxuries forgone, whereas if He actu- who isn’t needy at some What person doesn’t need guidance in ally does exist they stand to receive level, humility might be a the future? You don’t need guidance By Chuck Stetson infinite gains represented by an eternity only if you are in control of everything in heaven and will have avoided the much better approach. We and you know exactly what is going to Does prayer work, or is prayer a infinite losses of eternity in hell. need to respect others, happen. fantasy? The Wager uses the following logic acknowledge that we don’t Thus, prayer offers us some great When I grew up in the 1960s and set out in Pensees, part III, §233: opportunities with no downside and went to high school, chapel attendance 1. God is, or God is not. Reason cannot know everything, ask for can help us get right with the world, every day and twice on Sunday was decide between the two alternatives. forgiveness when we have confess our mistakes, ask for guidance mandatory. We did not sit down to eat 2. A Game is being played … where misbehaved toward others and be humble. without saying a prayer first. Thus, I heads or tails will turn up. My mentor, Tommy Davis, was one grew up in a world where prayer was 3. You must wager (it is not optional). and ask for guidance. of the most successful investors in important. 4. Let us weigh the gain and the loss in Silicon Valley for over four decades. There have always been skeptics wagering that God is. Let us estimate can be enormously consequential The most valuable lesson that he ever about prayer. I like what Anglican these two chances. If you gain, you but our understanding of those con- taught me is not to take risks. That is Archbishop William Temple once said, gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. sequences is flawed. While we can why, in his view, he was more success- TM EN T

AR “When I pray, coincidences happen. 5. Wager, then, without hesitation that discern a great deal through reason, we ful in his overall results than other When I stop praying, coincidences stop He is. … There is here an infinity are ultimately forced to gamble. venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

Y DE P happening.” That is a statement that of an infinitely happy life to gain, a The same argument would seem Tommy could have as big a win as C

A everyone I talk with understands. It is chance of gain against a finite num- to apply to prayer, which in essence is anyone, but he avoided losses like the also my experience. ber of chances of loss, and what you an acknowledgment of God, but even plague, and thus on average did much, For the skeptic, I believe that Blaise stake is finite. And so our proposition more so a God that is involved in the much better than his peers. Pascal, the French mathematician, is of infinite force, when there is the every day. This is beyond the deist God With this kind of upside and no physicist and philosopher who lived finite to stake in a game where there who does not get involved in the day- downside, why would anyone not at from 1623 to 1662, got it exactly right are equal risks of gain and of loss, to-day. This is belief in a God who does least try prayer? C on T im e s ADVO when he presented “The Wager.” It was and the infinite to gain. get involved in the day-to-day. a groundbreaking proposition in that 6. But some cannot believe. They In other words, what is the upside Chuck Stetson is CEO of the Stet-

shi n gt it charted new territory in probabil- should then “at least learn your in- and what is the downside of faith? The son Family Office and of Essentials ity theory and marked the first use of ability to believe” … and “Endeavour upside is huge. The downside? There in Education, a nonprofit founda- decision theory, and anticipated future then to convince” themselves. is no downside. Thus, even if you are tion dedicated to closing the gap be- philosophies including existential- Pascal asks the reader to analyze a skeptic, why would you not consider tween what students need to know ism. It was set out in section 233 of his mankind’s position, where our actions prayer? and what they are being taught. T h e Wa ARED BY T P RE ON TIM E S To be healed, first forgive others SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR Shortly after Halloween in 2005, I thing we could do that night was pray. Kong. I got together with an old col- was told I had fourth-stage nasopharyn- Somehow the next morning a peace lege friend named Vincent, and another A SP E TH E W

geal cancer and had only one year to came over us. We said to one another friend, Richard, who visited Hong Kong | live without treatment. To make matters that whatever it is that God wants us from Malaysia. While Vincent and Rich- worse, it was only ten days before I had to walk through, we will have to walk ard were about to flag a taxi, Vincent closed a $330 million leveraged buyout through, and that He will walk with us stopped to help a stranger who was lost. of my company J-M Manufacturing. and carry us through. He gave her directions and even called My wife, Shirley, and I were devas- We decided the best place for my ahead to make sure someone was wait- tated, but we decided to tell our chil- treatment was Queen Mary Hospital in ing for her. dren. That night, with tears in my eyes, Hong Kong, where the best nasopharyn- Richard was a very busy man but that I climbed into my 6-year-old daughter’s geal cancer treatment was being done. In day he was impressed with how Vincent bed while she lay sleeping, and said, “I’m Hong Kong we learned the cancer had would have that kind of compassion to so sorry; I may not be able to walk you spread to the base of my skull, and that I stop in the middle of the street and help down the aisle.” would need 195 hours of chemotherapy someone. He prayed asking God for

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday It was very tough. We went through and 34 radiation sessions, each lasting 37 this compassion. Amazingly, God told By Walter Wang all the phases — anger, denial, depres- minutes. 20 sion … what else could we do? The only We didn’t have many friends in Hong » see Healed | C21 how prayer changes lives In gray, tired America Motown doctor prays for a nuptial storm

appetites and gathers us in a strange fellow travelers “to love mercy, to walk November night, a newborn wails in the way more like sick people in a wait- humbly with our God … always having threadbare stillness of an unwed home. ing room than family reuniting in love before our eyes our commission and No love story is there here of a mom and eager for turkey together, and then community in the work, as members of and dad beaming as they plan a life some pumpkin pie. Did we dare pray? the same body.” together — no lullaby tonight. Let us O beautiful for spacious skies, As an emergency physician pressing ask our Lord that a Motown mom will For amber waves of grain, the flesh in Metro Detroit, ministering dare to pray to make a married house- For purple mountain majesties to the wretched afflictions of families, hold with her man and their little one. Above the fruited plain! children and suffering communities, Just imagine that Marriage Motown America! America! I feel the intimate passion that raised 2020 could exist just five years hence God shed his grace on thee this nation and that grieves the riv- with couples marrying by the tens of And crown thy good with ers of blood spilled in the blind alleys thousands and married households brotherhood and sulking silos of urban isolation. I sprouting everywhere. Will we imagine From sea to shining sea! know too painfully well how critically a nuptial storm of love sweeping our By Michael T. Ross In the gloom of darkness, there’s ill is our gasping Uncle Sam as his soul Great Lakes and spreading sea to shin- nothing like a spark of light. Call it bleeds out on the nation’s stretcher. ing sea? Dare we pray that America will alpable anxiety looms as what you will. In truth, we hunger for The eleventh hour nears. In the din of rise again? November gales buffet the faintest glint of Providence. Sullen our distress, we hear a requiem dirge, a O beautiful for patriot dream our Great Lakes shores. In moments of trepidation, sometimes sea- remorseful threnody for our once-thriv- That sees beyond the years this pivotal moment, was sons of despair, punctuate months and ing nation. Still, a chord of vibrant verse Thine alabaster cities gleam there anywhere amid these years along the storied path of our still- summons a chorus of heavy hearts in Undimmed by human tears! United States that a citizen great homeland. Think of the weary wistful harmony: America! America! was able to stand united and pilgrims leaving merciless Mother Eng- O beautiful for glory-tale God shed his grace on thee

proud, cheerily awaiting relatives, sons and land only to face harsh times of poverty, Of liberating strife And crown thy good with A SP E daughters, little ones, brothers and sisters, disease, division and persecutions in When once and twice, brotherhood

P CI A L RE P OR and all in the family for a Thanksgiving to Plymouth. for man’s avail From sea to shining sea! remember in 2015? In 1630 fresh waves brought the Men lavished precious life! Who does not notice how gray, tired mighty Arabella bearing its weary lot as America! America! Dr. Michael T. Ross, M.D. is a Detroit and gasping Uncle Sam has become? the Massachusetts Bay Colony aspired God shed his grace on thee area emergency physician and founder Not a glimmer of cheer, let alone a to dream again an impossible dream. In Till selfish gain no longer stain of Defending Our Fathers House (DOFH. T P RE smile does he shine to remind us of a radiant image painted with words bor- The banner of the free! org), a nonprofit advocating for mar-

tender times when he stood resolute rowed from Jesus, lawyer and preacher “God shed his grace on thee!” we riage and family life. Dr. Ross sees great ARED BY The Wa in virtue and towering in strength to John Winthrop encouraged the seafar- sing with one mind, one heart, rising hope if America addresses the col- raise us up tall and steady — our hearts ers to till the soil of hope and become a to our feet. We pray one body that this lapse of family, a major cause of illness, thundering in applause. shining city on a hill. may be. trauma, childhood suffering and our It’s an ill feeling that tramples our With fervent heart, he admonished In the dark Detroit unease one moral and economic decline at home. s h i ng t

three names, prayed and forgave them in out, your throat is covered with sores He said he had never seen such prog- on T im e s ADVO C Healed Jesus’ name. and your neck turns black oozing with ress after two weeks. He begged me to From page C20 After that prayer I felt a strong pus. The doctors wanted to insert a feed- tell him my secret. I said the only thing I energy flow through me. I’m usually a ing tube, but I refused. do is pray; this was the power of prayer. him to stay in Hong Kong to be with us. serious guy, but I began to laugh, roll Richard thought I may not need ra- When we were leaving to go home, THE WASHINGTON TIMES Originally, he declined, saying he had a and shake the bedsheets for ten minutes. diation but rather more faith, but Shirley we thanked the doctors, and they said A

flight the next day. But God said, “Won’t Afterwards, I felt light as a feather and wanted me to do everything the doctors “Don’t thank us, thank your God.” C you do this for me?” And he thought to joyous. wanted, and said that only if God told God had taken care of my company Y DE P himself, I’d better listen; the last thing I The first 96 hours of chemo had been the doctors I did not need to go through without my control, too. While I was need is to be struck by lightning. devastating. I could hardly sit up. I said, radiation, would she be okay with that in treatment it did so well that we were AR He cancelled his plans and lived in “Please don’t cook because it makes me plan. They argued. That night Shirley able to repay half of our debt in six TM EN T a hotel nearby for the next five months, nauseous.” But after this “holy” encoun- prayed, “I repent for arguing with Rich- months.

visiting me and praying for me every ter, my next round of 96 hours was very ard. God, at the end of the day it’s your Normally people aren’t grateful they | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 day through the long hours of chemo- different. I expected to be nauseous, but will whether Walter lives or dies,” she get cancer, but I am grateful that my therapy. God was not only helping us, instead I was hungry. Being away from said, “not mine.” experience with cancer brought me he was changing those around us for the the U.S., I missed pizza. We ordered Remarkably, the next day the doctors closer to God and strengthened my faith. better. pizza and had a pizza party in my told us that the scans came out so well Today, I am happy to say, ten years later, While Richard was praying for us, he room when the doctor came in. He was that they were changing the course of I remain cancer free. said that what is critical to healing is for- shocked. radiation and I would not have to radiate giveness. Jesus forgave you for your sins, Our friends came and asked why are through my brain. Walter Wang is president and CEO so you need to forgive others. Grudges we were so happy when I was dying. Two weeks after the radiation, the of JM Eagle Inc., the world’s larg- are carried wherever you go, even if We said we’re happy celebrating life — doctor asked me how much pain I had est manufacturer of plastic pipe. you haven’t seen the offender for a long every moment in life — we’ve got today, on a scale of one to ten. I said six. But time. You need to pay off that debt like we’ve got people we love and we’ve got after he looked into my throat, he was Jesus paid for your trespasses, he said. pizza. We’re grateful. amazed at how well I was doing. He said I said I didn’t have a long list of offend- Next was radiation, which was going compared to other cases he would rate ers, but I did have a short list. I wrote to be tough. You burn from the inside my pain level … a one. 21 www.AmericanPrayerInitiative.org “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” ~ President John F. Kennedy Do you have 2 minutes a day to pray for your country?

TRUTH Research reveals that 80% of American Christians LIBERTY ~ FREEDOM Scriptural references… are unsure how to pray. The American Prayer Initiative Scriptural references… provides a starting point. • If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the • Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. II Cor 3:17 truth will set you free. John 8:31b-32 In response to deep concern over the direction of • Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not • When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. John 16:13 America, several noted women of faith created this entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 national prayer initiative to appeal to God for His aid in Suggested prayers… reclaiming, redeeming, and rebuilding our country on Suggested prayers… • God of all truth, we ask that self-evident truths become self-evident once again in her Constitutional roots and founding principles which • Lord, we know that liberty itself is hanging in the balance in America. We petition You America. were borne out of scripture. to unleash the power of Heaven to help us, protect us and come to our aid. Infuse in our • We ask You, Father, to grant Americans the wisdom to discern truth from With a simple click on AmericanPrayerInitiative.org, one leaders a profound understanding and respect for their vow and their duty to protect deception. Defend us, Sovereign God, against forces that would divide, deceive and The Mayfl ower sailed through uncharted waters to an email a day will be sent to your inbox with suggested liberty in this country. May they never take our liberty for granted. May we never take our redefi ne this country. We cannot compete with these forces in the natural, Lord, they are unknown land ~ a land that was claimed “for the glory of God liberty for granted. A SP E prayers for the day. ~~~ too powerful. Only in You and with you will the victory be won. &..the Christian faith”. Or you can go to the AmericanPrayerInitiative.org “Our Founding Fathers did not invent the priceless boon of individual freedom CI A L RE P OR TM EN T ~~~ (The Mayfl ower Compact ~ November 11, 1620) AR “It was for the love of the truths of this great Book {the Bible} that our fathers website for a printable summary of the entire month’s and respect for the dignity of men. That great gift to mankind sprang from the Creator and not from governments. The Founding Fathers, with superb genius, abandoned their native shores for the wilderness. Animated by its lofty principles Today, America is on uncharted waters, having strayed far suggested prayer topics. God Almighty is on the other Y DE P welded together the safeguards of these freedoms...”

C they toiled and suffered till the desert blossomed as a rose. The same truths end of our prayers, waiting for “we the people” of T P RE A off course. With these prayers, we reclaim America’s roots & President Herbert Hoover – August 10, 1954 - his 80th birthday sustained them in their resolutions to become a free nation; and guided by the founding principles. America to return to Him. wisdom of this Book they founded a government.” Do you have 2 minutes a day to pray for America? ARED BY T h e Wa President Zachary Taylor – February 21, 1849 CITIZENS ~ VOTERS Scriptural references… ~ One prayer topic for each day of the month, repeated each month ~ • Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it C on T im e s ADVO MARRIAGE apart. Proverbs 11:11 Scriptural references… 4 5 6 7 • We will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by shi n gt shi n gt 1 2 3 • Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife and the two every wind of new teaching. We will not be infl uenced when people try to trick us with lies Thanksgiving Humility Repentance Leaders The Law Justice Domestic shall become one fl esh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ so clever they sound like the truth. Ephesians 4:14 Forgiveness Tranquility on T im e s ADVO C and the Church. Ephesians 5:31-32 • If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God…. James 1:5 • Let marriage be held in honor among all....Hebrews 13:4a Suggested prayers…

14 TH E W T h e Wa ARED BY 8 9 10 11 12 13 Suggested prayers… The Common The General Blessings Rights Life Liberty The Pursuit of • We ask you, Lord, to awaken in the American People a desire to know the true principles

Welfare of Liberty Freedom Happiness A • Father, we pray for Your hand to be upon the healing and restoration of marriages and Defense upon which this country was built, and draw us to Your vision for the restoration of our A T P RE SHI N GT C Y DE P

ON TIM E S marriage in America. Thank You for the stability, the security and strength that comes to beloved country. husbands, wives, children and the country through heathy marriages and stable homes . • We ask for leaders and a citizenry who understand our accountability before You for every AR ON TIM E S

SHI N GT • Lord, You have said that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Our homes are prey 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 vote we cast, or do not cast. Help us to wisely evaluate every candidate and policy against TM EN T A CI A L RE P OR to forces that would divide and destroy marriages and families. You are the healer. You are Virtue Ethics Truth The Church The Poor The Family Marriage your Word. Give us radar to know when a candidate or policy is counterfeit to the true the peacemaker. You are the Author of love. You are the love that transforms our hardened founding principles and Constitutional roots of this land, borne out of faith in You and Your A SP E TH E W |

| hearts to hearts of fl esh. Reveal Your life giving power in and through our marriages. word. Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 Please move us to a deeper and fuller understanding of love. • We ask for the wisdom to discern truth from spin and deception, and to vote as You would ~~~ 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 have us vote. “The institution of marriage is, of course, at the very foundation of our social ~~~ organization, and all infl uences that affect that institution are of vital concern to Manhood Relationship Youth Culture Economy Health Care International Womanhood Race Education Media Business Healing Relations “Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their the people of the whole country.” Arts Labor Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people President Theodore Roosevelt – January 30, 1905 tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the 29 30 31 Printable national legislature...If the next centennial does not fi nd us a great nation...it will “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. Immigration Citizens Vision Prayer be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.” Immigrants Voters Summary the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.”

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday President John Adams - October 11, 1798 President James Garfi eld – July 4, 1876 22 23 how prayer changes lives What the Pope’s prayer means to me

like that told of by John of the Cross Francis knows families are the savoring a special “fresh datelike” and Teresa of Avila, Cardinal Bergoglio foundation and “first school of society.” conversation with each other and their forged a stellar faith. “May I” must accompany one’s request children. Reminders to say “I’m sorry,” His solitude and belief in the power for permission or agreement. Francis “thank you” and “may I?” will make all of prayer blossomed when he person- knows the power of asking to do some- the difference in marriage and family, ally accepted an enduring interior and thing and to be of service. Communion according to Francis. I agree. dark night of the soul. The cross of with God in prayer is lifting one’s Pope Francis is a practitioner of Christ became his mantra of mourning voice, heart and mind to God. Watch- prayer. He urges his flock to “move and eventual divine mercy for all man- ing and witnessing Pope Francis pray forward.” ner of peoples on the periphery and inspires me. “Let go of anger, and never go to edges of life. Like a good teacher Pope Francis bed angry,” is my advice to individu- Like him, in some way, my own offers families three tips for effective als, couples and families. Forgiveness reluctant pastoral assignment, which I home life: “Seek permission, say ‘thank like Francis’ is this marriage mender’s have learned to lovingly accept, finds you’ and ask for forgiveness.” prescription for a peaceful life. By Lawrence Ventline me with a full yet tired heart and body Such “hints and helps” to strengthen It’s all about the power of pray- at day’s end where I minister on the the American family were declared at ing often as Paul, the apostle of the “Pray for me.” streets near downtown Detroit. It has the Pope’s Valentine’s Day service Feb. Gentiles, urges in the greatest story earned me the title of “Ninja Priest” 14, 2014, when marrying is in full swing ever told in the Bible about Jesus, the ope Francis asked the from my colleagues. in parishes everywhere. At that service anointed one. faithful to pray for him The humble scholar that Francis is in St. Peter’s Square for 10,000 engaged Prayer is thanksgiving, adoration, when he was elected and today emerged from his fervent and couples, Francis said: “In the Our praise of God in hymns and songs, for introduced as the pontiff long prayer each day amid a clash- Father prayer we say, ‘Give us this day example, and supplication that causes March 13, 2013. ing culture of the scriptural way of our daily bread.’ Married couples may one’s soul to stir, sing and shout for Pope Francis guides God competing with a culture of “me, also learn to pray, ‘Give us this day our joy as that deepest part of us blooms billions of the Catholic myself and I.” daily love, teach us to love each other, big and is emboldened. Eucharist is a faithful, among others. He knows the Prayer is a humbling experience to care for each other.’ The more you Greek word that means “thanksgiving.” Ppower of prayer. and may explain the pope’s choice of entrust yourselves to the Lord, the All done with a grateful heart, an From 1990-92 Jorge Mario Ber- lifestyle. The humble, highest-ranking more your love will be forever able to attitude of gratitude, a pure prayer. TM EN T

AR goglio was cast out to Cordoba, 500 churchman from Argentina lives in renew itself and to overcome every Thanks be to God. miles from his familiar Buenos Aires. a modest guest room at Vatican City. difficulty.”

Y DE P Here, the future pope learned to pray. Francis dines in soup kitchens and The courtliness, courtesy and com- Father Lawrence Ventline, D.Min., Ph.D., C

A His exile at the hands of his Jesuit rides in a modest vehicle. munion with God in prayer can be of Detroit has been a Catholic clergyman superiors was perceived by Cardinal Prayer often leads to an attitude heavy like boots. However, when inti- for 40 years. An author and a board-certi- Bergoglio as rejection due to apparent of contrition. “I am deeply sorry,” macy and connection with God finds fied professional counselor and fitness and division he seemed to stir among his the pontiff recently said to victims of oneness over time and prayer prac- nutrition specialist, he is a former long- peers. In solitude and inner darkness, sexual abuse. tices, the encounter is akin to spouses time religion writer for The Detroit News. C on T im e s ADVO

shi n gt Helping Muslims fall in love with Jesus

gather on Wednesday evenings to Children became more obedient to narrative, and then were challenged break their midweek fasts together and parents. And people broke the power to obey whatever each of them had T h e Wa ARED BY enjoy a night of Bible stories and joy- of addictions and began to prosper. learned about the God of the Bible. ful, energetic prayers. Each new year, The local imam and a sheikh ob- Within weeks, this Muslim com-

T P RE they commit three weeks to fasting served this phenomenon and decided munity began to see powerful changes

ON TIM E S and prayer. One Friday every month is in their lives. They were learning to committed to a half night of prayer to- be thankful, to pray, to encourage one gether. On the last day of every month, But after we finally another, and to share with others what SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR many of them go out to find neighbors said “yes,” somehow they were learning about God. The and pray for whatever needs they may process continued as whole families A SP E

TH E W the impossible became

have. became Christ followers. Obeying | For these Christ followers, prayer is possible, because in God’s God’s Word brought changes, and much more than an exchange of Mus- economy it is always prayer supplied the power, as people lim rituals for Christian liturgies. Now “not by might but by were falling in love with Jesus. By Jerry Trousdale prayer is a privileged and intimate con- Now their neighbors were jealous, versation with the Creator God who His Spirit.” God always so they adopted the same approach to Since birth, they had known the loves them and often responds with a does the heavy lifting. the Bible —with the same outcomes. sounds of prayer — the call to prayer miraculous exclamation point. Over the past 10 years, this story and recitations from the Koran — 14 This transformation of several Mus- to investigate what had happened. has been repeated across the Muslim repetitions in five daily prayers. That lim families began more than a year They found that the changed commu- world. Hundreds of courageous men was prayer. earlier when they observed something nity had been introduced to a Discov- and women train tens of thousands But all that has changed for a simple odd. An unpleasant Muslim commu- ery Bible Study of the stories from of emerging leaders to pray, obey and

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday church of about 35 West African nity nearby had dramatically changed. creation to Christ. No one taught them encourage others to do the same. Christians from Muslim backgrounds. Husbands began to treat their wives as what the Bible meant. They discovered 24 Today, these new Christ followers equals. Personal feuds were forgiven. the principles themselves from the » see Muslims | C26 KNOW THAT GOD IS! Stunning new discoveries in biology, cosmology, physics, and planetary formation all point to a transcendent intelligence. A SP E CI A L RE P OR

“I highly recommend this thoughtful exploration of T P RE the relation between science and spirituality ... “ —Professor Peter Fisher, ARED BY The Wa Head of the Department of Physics, MIT s h i ng t on T im e s ADVO C THE WASHINGTON TIMES A very readable personal story of the author’s journey to faith A C by following the evidence of science. Y DE P

AR Know the rock-solid foundation of faith TM EN T Know how to defend your faith | Know how to protect children against false claims Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015

Available on Amazon Learn more at CountingToGod.com

25 how prayer changes lives

Muslims Today, CityTeam Ministries is beginning to see From page C24 these kinds of movements happen in the Americas. Discovery Bible studies are finding fertile ground Today, with the horrific tragedy in Paris still among students, co-workers, extended families, in our minds, it is tempting to dismiss hundreds sport teams, refugees and neighbors — and in of millions of Muslims as a hopeless cause. But places such as homes, workplaces, dorm rooms, that would be another tragedy because the community centers, coffee shops, and even jails story above continues to expand. Leading and human trafficking hotels. the procession toward the God of love are Thousands have joined Discovery Groups good-hearted, former sheikhs, imams and among the Hispanic population of the South even a surprising number of former Islamic San Francisco Bay. In places like Nashville, terrorists. I aspire to the levels of prayer of South Philadelphia and San Jose, churches these people that I have met. When they are initiating Discovery Groups as a way pray, God moves. to help people outside the walls of their Over the 45 years since my wife, Gayle, churches embark on journeys of discovering and I first served in Africa, there were God and following His plan for their lives. many times that the Lord nudged us to take We have great hope for these initiatives on challenging tasks that felt far beyond our because we know of at least 4,800 Muslim- capacities. But after we finally said “yes,” background churches in Africa that are con- somehow the impossible became possible, tinually praying for these disciples making because in God’s economy it is always “not by movements to sweep across America. It truly might but by His Spirit.” God always does the begins and ends with prayer. heavy lifting. Our process has been to first seek God’s will Jerry Trousdale is director of International Min- in prayer and then seek God’s provision, because istries for CityTeam Ministries. He is the author of Gayle and I never felt equipped for the challenges. But “Miraculous Movements: How Hundreds of Thou- we have discovered that when God invites us to partner sands of Muslims Are Falling in Love With Jesus.” with Him, we have a role to play. But in the end, His fingerprints not ours, are everywhere on the outcomes.

TM EN T illustration The Washington Times AR Y DE P C A Interfaith Prayers for Peace

C on T im e s ADVO As our world faces unprecedented challenges, the voices, action and prayers of the world’s great spiritual traditions shi n gt are needed now more than ever. May the wisdom, depth and insight of the world’s religions be manifest in harmo- ny, mutual respect and cooperation throughout the world.

T h e Wa ARED BY The Universal Peace Federation (UPF), an international and interreligious network of individuals and organiza- T P RE tions, including representatives from religion, govern- ON TIM E S ment, civil society and the private sector, is dedicated to

SHI N GT achieving world peace. An NGO in special consultative A CI A L RE P OR status with the Economic and Social Council of the Unit- A SP E TH E W ed Nations, UPF supports the work of the United Na-

| tions, particularly in the areas of interfaith peacebuild- ing, peace education, and the strengthening of the family.

Find out more about how we can support each other. www.UPF.org

Interfaith leaders, as Ambassadors for Peace, promote dialogue and prayer in m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday Jerusalem for the Universal Peace Federation’s Middle East Peace Initiative. 26 america’s story of prayer, then and now How prayer has influenced America’s history; Restoring government and military in prayer The wall separating faith and public life must be torn down

Jefferson himself acknowledged a wall of separation between church — not only denying religious organiza- that the Virginia statute broke with the and state.” A structural limit on federal tions the same opportunities afforded practices of other states. At the time of power was transformed into an indi- to secular counterparts, but limit- the adoption of the First Amendment vidual right to be free from religion. ing also accommodation of religious in 1791, about half of the 14 states then The conventional wisdom peddled practice at the core of the right to free admitted to the Union had an officially by advocates for stringent exclusion of exercise. It tells the religious believer established church or allowed munici- religion from the public sphere is that that in order to participate fully in pal governments to establish such a aggressive enforcement of their vision public life, he should cabin and hide church. Moreover, every single state of the establishment clause enhances his religious devotion. sponsored or supported one or more religious freedom. Unfortunately, noth- While the addition of principled churches. ing could be further from the truth. jurists to the court has turned mo- Simply put, the idea of a rigid The erroneous wall-of-separation mentum against previous excesses, separation between church and state doctrine narrows the role of religion the thrust of the court’s misguided is without any basis in our history or in public discourse, fueling the view establishment clause jurisprudence re- laws. that religion is a private matter rather mains dominant. As we seek to protect The First Amendment says, quite than a fundamental precept of Ameri- religious liberty for future generations, By Orrin G. Hatch simply, that “Congress shall make no can civil society and leading many to we must restore a proper relationship law respecting an establishment of fall prey to the disturbing claim that between faith and public life. ur history tells us that religion, or prohibiting the free exer- religious freedom doesn’t extend much

faith and public life are cise thereof.” On its face, this language further than the church door. Senator Orrin G. Hatch, Utah Re- A SP E complementary parts affects only one actor, Congress, not Such an approach undermines publican, is the former chairman of

of American life. But states and local governments, and not religious liberty and limits the ways the Senate Committee on the Judi- CI A L RE P OR invocation of the “wall individual citizens. in which faith enriches our society. ciary and the current chairman of of separation” between At the time of its adoption, the First It counsels government to avoid any the Senate Committee on Finance. church and state has be- Amendment’s establishment clause perceived entanglement with religion come shorthand for a particular narrative neither created an individual right T P RE about the history and status of religion in to be free from religion nor limited

O ARED BY The Wa American life. This narrative is wrong. the power of the states to establish The idea that the Constitution religion; it simply limited Congress’

At the time of its adoption, the First Amendment’s establishment clause neither created an individual right to be free from religion nor limited the power s h i ng

of the states to establish religion; it simply limited t Congress’ ability to choose a preferred religious sect. on T im e s ADVO C creates a “wall of separation” be- ability to choose a preferred religious tween church and state traces back sect. This restriction on favoring one THE WASHINGTON TIMES to Thomas Jefferson, and generations particular sect over another at the A

have been led to believe that his view federal level made eminent sense for a C reflected the dominant attitude of the new nation composed of states with a Y DE P Founders toward religion in public life. wide variety of religious traditions and But Jefferson’s position, as embodied approaches to established religion. AR in the Virginia Statute for Religious For a century and a half, this TM EN T Freedom, which he wrote, was in fact understanding of the establishment

a novel approach that represented a clause endured with little challenge. | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 decidedly minority viewpoint in the Unfortunately, religion was not spared early republic. from a liberal, activist Supreme Court The dominant model at the time that spun wildly out of control in the was embodied by the 1780 Massachu- mid-20th century. In Everson v. Board setts Constitution drafted by John of Education, the court jettisoned the Adams, which protected religious lib- traditional understanding of the es- erty while at the same time instituting tablishment clause, asserting that “the a “mild and equitable establishment First Amendment means at least this: of religion” that enshrined “Christian Neither a state nor the Federal Govern- piety and virtue.” In Adams’ view, as ment can set up a church. Neither can articulated by one scholar, “the notion pass laws which aid one religion, aid that a state could remain neutral and all religions, or prefer one religion over purged of any public religion was … a another.” philosophical fiction.” The court cited Jefferson to “erect 27 america’s story of prayer, then and now Faith’s role in America quest for individual rights that began government enough. They seek to not American tradition. with the Magna Carta. We built upon only divide faith from our government Modern day pundits act as if the its keystone. Our founders were not but also from the private sector busi- separation of church and state means bashful in acknowledging God’s Grace nesses of our citizens. They argue that that our origins were based upon a in our history. the Christian owners of Hobby Lobby purely secular state devoid of the influ- Contrast that with the French should be forced by law to keep their ence of religion. Revolution, where the king and reli- faith out of their business. Nothing could be further from the gion were to a degree inseparable and But when the U.S. government truth. To a person, all of our presidents rejected simultaneously. As a result, decreed that Hobby Lobby would be have acknowledged the guiding influ- violent chaos and destruction ensued. forced to purchase insurance covering ence of their faith. The American Revolution was also procedures its owners found morally Today’s critics sometimes imply that extraordinary in that it gave birth to objectionable, they responded, un- you can’t have both faith and freedom. the first real meritocracy. Barbara bowed, in a way that speaks to the core Some think you must choose between Tuchman writes of how novel it was of America’s founding principles. Their faith or freedom, or put a different way that the American Revolution opened lawyer wrote: — liberty or virtue. up progress to people from all walks of “Obamacare asks us to abandon our I disagree. By Rand Paul life, not just the nobility. faith to remain in business or abandon I believe that Liberty is absolutely While it took awhile for the Repub- our business to remain true to our essential to virtue, and vice versa. mericans often take lic to include everyone, the fact that it faith.” After all, it is the freedom to make for granted that our occurred and remains is, to my mind, In a free country, such a question individual choices that allows us to be country was born of a nothing short of a miracle. should be unthinkable. Such a question virtuous. religious people. We Some modern critics worry though is inconsistent with liberty. Indeed, Don Devine gets to the heart of the sometimes discount the that we do not separate religion from such a question is antithetical to the matter in his book, “America’s Way importance of religion Back.” He writes: “Freedom needs as the stabilizing force tradition for law, order, inspiration. that allowed us to proceed in relative Tradition needs freedom to escape calmA from the chaos of war to an en- stagnation, coercion, and decline. The during nation guided by faith and the great achievement of the Constitution’s TM EN T

AR rule of law. framers was in providing a means for One of the media’s favorite ques- synthesizing freedom and tradition.”

Y DE P tions to politicians is: “Do you believe Government can’t impose virtue, we C

A America is a Christian nation?” Well, must impose it on ourselves. it is of course a historical fact that we Government can’t provide salvation, were founded by a religious people, only the individual can choose to be most of whom were Christians. But saved. if one tries to expound on that point, Government can supply bread, but it even to acknowledge its historical can’t mend a broken spirit. C on T im e s ADVO significance, some immediately want To paraphrase Os Guinness, “Lib- to paint you as an intolerant believer in erty requires restraint but the only

shi n gt theocracy. restraint consistent with liberty is The media so often dumbs down voluntary restraint.” the debate that the general public fails This does not mean government to appreciate how uniquely fortunate cannot or should not reflect our values. we were that our American Revolu- In fact, it must. I believe that lead- tion was the exception to the rule ers guided by faith, leaders guided by T h e Wa ARED BY played out repeatedly in world history virtue, are essential. — bloodshed, violence and enduring Most of our presidents recognized

T P RE chaos. this principle, especially President

ON TIM E S Among revolutions, America’s was Washington. He recognized that free- extraordinary in that once we threw dom requires an undergirding of faith. off the yoke of the King, we didn’t also Washington believed that democracy SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR cast off our traditions. We kept our depended upon a virtuous people. His religious faith. We maintained a thou- prayers and writings, and those of the A SP E TH E W

sand year history of English common Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks at the Faith and Freedom Coalition Road to Majority Confer- other great presidents in our history | law. We considered our revolution to ence luncheon in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) contained in the pages of “Our Presi- be a continuation and natural progres- dents & Their Prayers: Proclamations sion of the battle for individual rights of Faith by America’s Leaders,” reveal that began at Runnymede in 1215. how integral our religious traditions Consider, for example, how the “Do you believe America is a Christian nation?” were to our founding, and I believe, to American Revolution differed dramati- Well, it is of course a historical fact that we were our future as well. cally from the French Revolution. founded by a religious people, most of whom In America, we fought to be free of Sen. Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican, is the British King but we maintained our were Christians. But if one tries to expound on a first-term U.S. Senator and a candidate several hundred year tradition of lim- that point, even to acknowledge its historical for president of the United States. He ited governmental power and we kept significance, some immediately want to paint is the author of the book, “Our Presi- m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday our bedrock religious faith. We didn’t you as an intolerant believer in theocracy. dents & Their Prayers: Proclamations 28 forget or attempt to turn away from the of Faith by America’s Leaders” (2015). america’s story of prayer, then and now The freedom to bow our heads and pray in public

our nation’s earliest documents like the coach walked to the middle of the field This is what makes America great, Mayflower Compact and Declaration of alone, but later, some students volun- but in respecting those choices, we Independence, to the first act of Con- tarily joined him. For this public display should not err on the side of removing gress in 1774, calling on a pastor to open of prayer, he was placed on administra- all public displays of faith simply be- its sessions with prayer, to annual obser- tive leave. cause there are those in this country that vances like the National Day of Prayer, Without question, if a coach kneeled choose not to practice a faith. America prays. on the sideline to pray for a hurt player, Freedom of worship is confined In 2001, we saw Members of Con- no one would criticize. But this coach to a place and time, while freedom of gress gather on the steps of the Capitol chose to pray in good times and bad. Can religion — our actual right — allows us following the horrific events of 9/11, a society pick and choose which times to practice a lifestyle of faith, including singing “God Bless America.” Individu- and places for public prayer is acceptable? public prayer. The free exercise of faith als from all across the country came Why is praying in the midst of trag- is a fundamental human right, not some- together at prayer vigils following tragic edy celebrated and encouraged, while thing that can only be invoked in times shootings in Newtown, Connecticut and praying in the midst of joy or thanksgiv- of tragedy. Charleston, South Carolina. The hashtag ing condemned and threatened? This year, in his National Day of #PrayForParis has united people from “Congress shall make no law respect- Prayer proclamation, President Obama By James Lankford around the world following this month’s ing an establishment of religion, or said, “In America, our Nation is stronger terrorist attacks in Paris, France. prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” … because we protect the fundamental elling grieving families As President Clinton said in his 1999 This provision of the Constitution has right of all peoples to practice their that our thoughts and National Day of Prayer Proclamation, been interpreted to mean there is a faith how they choose, to change their prayers are with them in “Americans have united in prayer for wall of separation between church and faith, or to practice no faith at all, and

times of tragedy or hearing those who died or were harmed, for the state. This is true, even as Jefferson to do so free from persecution and A SP E people say “God bless the comfort and peace of their families, for acknowledged, that the church should discrimination.”

United States of America” the wisdom to heal our society, and for be protected from undue government To that, I say “Amen.” The question is CI A L RE P OR at the end of a speech are the strength to overcome such tragedies.” interference in the ability to carry out … does our nation’s actions match these common. They are part of our Ameri- Prayer in times of tragedy is not only one’s faith. words? can tradition. accepted, it has become expected. If we However, the “wall” was never

T T P RE Culturally, it is acceptable to talk can pray publicly in times of tragedy, can intended to keep faith out of the public Sen. James Lankford is the junior sena- about prayer, and even ask God for his we also pray in good times as well? square. Yet, over 200 years after the tor from Oklahoma. He serves on the

blessings in public settings, but what if it When is it OK to show a public ex- founding of a nation built on religious Committee on Homeland Security and ARED BY The Wa goes a step further? What if we actually pression of faith? freedom, America has become afraid Governmental Affairs, chairing the Sub- pray in public — closing our eyes and Since 2008, a high school football of public expressions of faith, such as committee on Regulatory Affairs and bowing our heads where others can see? coach in Bremerton, Washington, prayed prayer. The separation of church and Federal Management. He also serves on Is that still free in America? on the field at the conclusion of the state doesn’t mean the two entities the Select Committee on Intelligence, The recognition of faith has been in- game, thanking God for his team and should be separate at all cost — it means the Committee on Appropriations and tegral in the formation of America. From for keeping the players safe. Initially, the one entity cannot rule over the other. the Committee on Indian Affairs. s h i ng t on T im e s ADVO C America has always turned to prayer THE WASHINGTON TIMES A

prayer than America. It has been in- clouds appeared in the empty sky and C separable from our national identity. And when Eisenhower a gentle, steady rain began to fall, thus Y DE P Although formal prayer events oc- was elected president producing abundant spring crops and a curred in 1541 at Palo Duro Canyon in bountiful, fall harvest. AR

of the United States, he TM EN T Texas, in 1564 at St. Augustine, Florida, acknowledged that “I was The surrounding New England in 1598 at El Paso, Texas, and in 1607 at seeking a way to point colonies gradually adopted these

Cape Henry, Virginia — it is from the pilgrim practices and developed the | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 pilgrims that two of America’s most out that we were getting tradition of calling for a day of prayer common prayer traditions stem. too secular.” He therefore and fasting in the spring, and a day of After a brutal winter in which wrote his own prayer prayer and thanksgiving in the fall. nearly half the pilgrims died, they Prayer continued to be central to experienced a prosperous fall and that he publicly prayed the formation of the new nation. When therefore declared a three-day feast at his own inauguration. the first Continental Congress gathered in December 1621 to thank God and in Philadelphia in September 1774, lu- to celebrate with their Indian friends. a severe spring drought which they minaries such as George Washington, By David Barton Ninety Indians joined the 50 pilgrims knew could result in another winter Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry and the “More things are wrought by prayer for three days of feasting, athletic of death and starvation. Gov. William others began with an extended time of than this world dreams of.” competitions and prayer — the origin Bradford called for a time of prayer prayer which delegate Silas Deane de- —Alfred Lord Tennyson of the federal Thanksgiving holiday and fasting. To the great amazement of scribed as “worth riding one hundred Perhaps no nation is more famil- Americans now celebrate each fall. the Indians who witnessed the scene, iar with or has been more reliant on But in 1623 the pilgrims experienced after nine straight hours of prayer, » see Always | C38 29 america’s story of prayer, then and now What happens in Room 219 president and each other. have actively worked to pass concrete organization status of several student All members of Congress are wel- protections for the free exercise of reli- groups, including InterVarsity Christian come to attend and pray. Many who do gion in the military. These protections Fellowship and CRU, Prayer Caucus so are members of the Congressional are already having a direct and positive Members urged University leadership Prayer Caucus, a group I founded in 2005 impact on service members of all faiths. to reverse their decision and protect stu- to pray for our nation and to engage the The Air Force has updated their regula- dent First Amendment rights of religion, legislative process to protect the free tions to better empower commanders to speech, press and association. exercise of faith for Americans of every make decisions regarding the protection Whether it is working to protect free faith or no faith. of religious expression. In July, a con- speech, reinforce religious freedom for Today, along with my co-chair, Sen. gressionally-commissioned report from all faiths in the military, protecting public James Lankford, this group of nearly 100 the Department of Defense inspector prayer, or supporting the autonomy lawmakers is dedicated to the idea that general’s office recommended updating of churches and faith-based organiza- By Randy Forbes the free exercise of religion is a funda- the process for handling accommoda- tions, the Congressional Prayer Caucus n the first night of votes, mental human right that is essential to a tions requests — an area which has been represents the commitment of nearly 100 during every week that free society. Every American should be a particular concern for Sikh and Jewish members of Congress to ensuring that Congress is in ses- free to live and work according to his or service members who desire to serve every American is free to live according sion, something special her beliefs without fear of punishment their country but who need an accommo- to their faith. happens. from the government. This foundational dation to serve with the outward signs of This is an issue that should unite our There is no media. truth is enshrined in our Constitution their faith. nation. Protecting the free exercise of re- There is no fanfare. and is part of the DNA of our nation. Another area where Prayer Caucus ligion in this nation is something that all Yet Room 219, just a few steps from the Congressional Prayer Caucus Mem- Members have been active is in promot- Americans should rally behind, regard- OHouse Floor, is crowded with members bers focus on engaging the legislative ing and protecting First-Amendment less of religion or political persuasion, of Congress. They are quietly praying. process to protect the ability of every rights on college campuses. Restrictive because it is a matter of ensuring and Ten years ago, when I first began American — of all faiths or no faith — to speech codes have been widely acknowl- protecting basic human rights. Protect- praying in Room 219 before votes every exercise the First Amendment right to edged as a systemic problem on college ing one American’s freedom is protecting week, I typically prayed alone, some- the free exercise of their religion. Why? campuses around the country because every Americans freedom — whether times joined by a colleague or two. These Because essential to the human dignity they can stifle, rather than promote, they are of any faith or no faith at all. days however, Room 219 is often standing of every individual is the ability to live by opportunities for college students to TM EN T

AR room only, as members of Congress from one’s moral convictions, and not be co- learn to robustly debate and respectfully Rep. Randy Forbes, Virginia Repub- different backgrounds and walks of life erced by the government to compromise disagree in an open forum. lican, is founder and co-chair of the

Y DE P put aside political differences and unite those convictions. In 2014, after California State Uni- Congressional Prayer Caucus. C

A in prayer for our nation, our leaders, our For example, Prayer Caucus members versity revoked the recognized student

C on T im e s ADVO The sound of a billion prayers

shi n gt So with that in mind, I began praying substantial combined resources to bom- prayed together for 2½ days, and The that God would provide a way for our bard the airwaves in order to marginal- Jesus Alliance movement was launched. nation and indeed the world to find our ize Christians. This small but powerful Today, believers from all over the world way back to Him and that our land might group sent out over 1 billion targeted are uniting and organizing, and we are be healed. Indeed, society had begun to messages last year alone using social well on our way to sending a minimum come apart at the seams. The disintegra- media, the press, movie and television of 1 billion pro-God messages. T h e Wa ARED BY tion of morality was well underway and scripts, blogs, music and every other The church has not been able to unite what was right was declared wrong and conceivable media outlet with the goals since the days of Christ; however, I had

T P RE what was wrong was championed as of belittling the Bible and its teachings as faith that fervent unabated prayer to our

ON TIM E S being right in the eyes of an increasingly being a myth, attacking religious liberty, omniscient, omnipotent and omnipres- larger segment of our nation. We were glorifying immorality and condemning ent Lord could tap into a power like moving away from God and what made Christians by portraying them as bigots none other in all of creation. It has been SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR By Bob Williamson our country great at an alarming rate. and haters. miraculous to see God’s response. Almighty God has provided ample I analyzed how in a short time such All the while, Christians from some Jesus prayed His own unification A SP E TH E W

communication opportunities with vast change had been accomplished, and 43,000 denominations largely remained prayer in John 17:21: “I pray that they will | Himself to every person on earth. He I discovered that anti-God forces had in their silos working independently all be one, just as you and I are one — as talks to us through His Holy Word the become unified, organized and well- of one another with no comprehensive you are in me, Father, and I am in you. Bible (and on rare occasion by direct financed. This Godless conglomeration strategy to counter these forces. Unifica- And may they be in us so that the world revelation). He allows us the privilege to of people were smart and passionate and tion and collaboration seemed inconceiv- will believe you sent me.” Yes, my dear communicate directly with Him through knew how to use technology, politicians able that any project this massive and friends, prayer is powerful, and it doesn’t prayer anytime 24/7 with no appoint- and the media to their advantage. Most complex with varying liturgies, egos hurt to have God himself praying for the ment necessary. important, they had developed a plan and logos could ever occur this side of same thing. Best of all, He hears and answers our that encompassed changing every aspect heaven. However, I remembered the bib- prayers. of our culture to include education, fam- lical promise that nothing is impossible Bob Williamson is a successful entre- There is no tsunami, earthquake, ily, business, arts and entertainment, the when prayer is taking place. preneur, philanthropist and author tornado, hurricane, atomic bomb or any- media, government and even the church, So I invited prayer leaders from all who relinquished all of his business

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday thing else in all of creation as powerful as and were systematically working toward over the world to come together and interests in order to lead the Jesus Al- prayer. The Bible assures us that nothing their goals. pray for wisdom and action. Nearly 100 liance on a full-time basis. He resides 30 is impossible when prayer is taking place. They collaborated using their of us assembled at my Florida resort and with his wife in northern Florida. america’s story of prayer, then and now If my people who are called by my name … Without prayer we don’t have a prayer

much like Him as you can in thought, bloodiest war of all was the war we Prayer activates that God. Prayer also word and deed, and hope that others will fought among ourselves. Not that long activates the one who prays. If George be encouraged to open the door. It is a after our founding, 600,000 Americans Washington had stayed on his knees, the high bar. The highest. And we falter. But died during the fight to make sure that all United States of America wouldn’t exist. it is worth the effort because that door men were free in America. If we get on our knees, He will meet leads to fulfillment. Abraham Lincoln talked about the fact us there. And if we get up and act on His Our founders, almost to a one, were that both sides in that conflict were pray- guidance, there is every reason to believe men who opened the door. Many at- ing to the same God. As we look back, we that we — with His aid — will reclaim, tempts have been made to discredit and can see that God honored the prayers of redeem and rebuild the real America. obscure the profound faith of our fathers. those who agreed with Him. There is a fierceness in the heart of a But we know what they believed. They Hundreds of millions of dollars genuine believer who is awake to those were men of letters. George Washington have been poured into the effort to do things that attempt to stand between a wrote 10,000 letters and speeches. We away with any reference to God in this man and his Creator. A fierce protective- know what he believed. country. Secular forces behind the effort ness against deception, division and The founders were highly biblically are organized, strategic, technologically destruction. A fierce love for that which literate. Over half of the 56 signers of advanced, well-financed and deadly is good. A fierce love for the truth that By Nancy Schulze the Declaration of Independence were serious — and they have been at it for sets a man free. here is a beautiful painting graduates of seminaries or Bible schools. of Jesus standing outside The founding principles and constitu- the door of a home, waiting tional roots of our country were borne for someone on the other out of what remains to this day the best- side to open the door. The selling book of all time. It is a book about

curious thing about the the lineage and history of Jesus. It is a A SP E painting is that there is only history of the relationship between man one doorknob, and it is on the inside of and his Creator, including conversations CI A L RE P OR Tthe door. between them throughout the ages. We Jesus stands as a gentleman, waiting call it prayer. as He does, to be invited into a human America is different. In a world heart. where sovereigns and kings ruled over T P RE For 2,000 years, men and women have commoners and peasants, America was

been opening that door, learning that founded on the exceptional idea that all ARED BY The Wa when the Good Shepherd is invited in, men are created equal in dignity and they become acquainted with the most worth, and that our rights don’t come powerfully gentle, magnificently kind from other men; they come from God. It being they have ever known. He under- caused quite a stir. stands. He knows. He cares. He heals. What emerged out of those ideas He leads. He guides. He corrects. He was the birth of the American spirit and s h i ng protects. an explosion of human potential that t

For millennia, genuine but flawed brought forth the most innovative, indus- on T im e s ADVO C believers have come to know that when trious, creative and productive people decades. Those who would resist the While evil would have the world limitations, weaknesses and wounds are the world has ever known. With less than secularization of this country are out- brand the Christian as a close-minded, placed in the hands of the Shepherd, 6 percent of the world’s population and numbered, outstrategized, outorganized judgmental, intolerant, bigoted weakling, trust activates His power. Transactions less than 2 percent of the world’s land and outfinanced. the Christian is called to love his enemy THE WASHINGTON TIMES occur. Transformation happens. mass, the United States of America pro- But so were our founders. and to pray for those who would perse- A

As friendship with Jesus grows, grati- duces one-quarter of all the goods and In their own words, they prayed to cute, divide, deceive and destroy. C tude takes hold of a life as it becomes services in the world. “The Almighty” and to the “Lord Jesus Why would anyone fear or attempt Y DE P more and more acquainted with the But this country is about way more Christ” for guidance, direction, protec- to eliminate the influence of a weakling beauty of the One who laid down His life than the material. We export more tion, wisdom and aid in the time of their whose greatest weapon is prayer? Be- AR to set me free to be all that I was created missionaries, volunteers, teachers and greatest challenge. cause at the other end of those prayers is TM EN T to be. And no matter what comes my doctors than any other country on the Our time is now. Will we turn to a power greater than any other this world

way, I know that the best friend I have planet. America has done more to raise the One who answered their call? Will can comprehend. It is the power that cre- | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 ever had is with me in and through it the quality of life for more people in “we the people” get real and get serious ated and owns every square inch of this all — every challenge, tragedy, triumph more places than any other country on with the God who guided the birth of place. A power that knows what is best or joy. earth — ever. There isn’t a remotely close the greatest nation ever known to man? for the people and the planet He created. As with anything of beauty, we hu- second to American generosity, financial Unless Americans connect or reconnect A power that will let things go only so far mans instinctively want to share it with and otherwise. with the God of our forefathers, we will before He acts. someone, especially those we love. But When America goes to war, it is not remain vulnerable and susceptible to the we fumble and stumble in our efforts to about hate. It is about love for the free- gods of others — be it secularism, materi- Nancy Schulze is a co-founder, with talk about Him and often fall short. How dom and welfare of others as well as our alism, socialism, atheism, communism, Vonette Bright, of The American Prayer do you describe the indescribable? How own. When America prevails, she doesn’t terrorism, pantheism or any other “ism” Initiative. She is the founder of the Con- do you talk about Him so that someone conquer and enslave; she helps rebuild that would attempt to gain prominence gressional Wives Speakers and is married could grasp the magnitude of a being like and sets people free. over the glory, the power, the truth, the to Dick Schulze, who served 18 years in Jesus? There is no one else like Him. When America makes a mistake, beauty and the lavish generosity of the Congress. She is a fellow of the Chuck All you can do, really, is become as she eventually faces it and fixes it. The God of the universe. Colson Center for Christian Worldview. 31 32 Monday • November 30 • 2015 | THA SPE WECIASHIAL RENGTPORONT TIM PREEPSARED BY The Washington Times ADVOCACY DEPARTMENT T By Lea Carawan that Ihad nowhere elseto go.” knees by theoverwhelming conviction have beendriven many uponmy times theCivil during War,crisis said, “I Lincoln, who, inamomentof national ing examples comes from Abraham together one voice. with and prayers of Patriots who rose up we andechointhewords allcherish They give substance to thefreedoms women who helpedshapethiscountry. through thelegacy of themen and fabric of ourfounding and documents woventhese principles into thevery values.held Judeo-Christian We see are wholly insufficient. thatedgment inandof ourselves, we provision, andtheacknowl guidance - ing war andinpeace, for protection, dur andcrisis, ofin times uncertainty and ourbarracks, schools God-given at liberties the door of the public square door of thepublicsquare and government entities. heritage and efforts that that andefforts heritage — our places of business — ourplaces of business give the state the ability give the ability thestate to force usto leave our However, for decades, there has Perhaps oneof themost illuminat This isderived spirit from deeply the dismantling of our the dismantlingof our Nevertheless, “we the whether we are going people” must decide people” mustdecide to stand up against upagainst to stand undue censorship, undue censorship, way andfirst responders, for ourtroops inharm’s andsorrow,brace ourgrief to em- and thanksgiving, offered prayers aspetitions history, ourleaders have hroughout thenation’s america’s storyofprayer,thenandnow America: Still a nation ofprayer anation Still America: - - and toresolve. unity dosowith bold declaration to thehallsof power is ourchoice, and itto istime make a schools andgovernment It entities. places of business andourbarracks, the doorof thepublic square —our us to leave at ourGod-given liberties that give thestate to theability force dismantling of ourheritage andefforts stand upagainst unduecensorship, the must decidewhether we are going to derision. maneuvering public andmedia-fueled government interference, legislative our deeply heldbeliefs without undue heritage. We have to theright exercise spiritual sucharich in anation with his orherlivelihood, especially not strongly heldreligious beliefs and should beforced to choosebetween not infringeonanyone’s No rights. one ship isneededmore thanever. for ourcountry. Their fervent leader for ournational andstate leaders and world, but it isimperative that we pray onahillandlighttostill beacity the cuses at thestate level. can America through legislativeliberty prayer cau- of consciencethe rights andreligious protect heritage, our Judeo-Christian those who promote prayer andseekto the front-line defenders of faith and local government leaders, represents bers of like-minded national, state and Network, more with than500mem- and action. citizens who are committed to prayer nationwide network of lawmakers and Prayer Caucus to a buildandsupport to work alongside theCongressional partisan organization — was created Caucus Foundation —anonprofit, non- each legislative session in Room 219. one another andfor ournation before ideas. Many of themgather to pray for place inthemarketplacerightful of restore values Judeo-Christian to their tect ourreligious freedoms andhelp homa Republican, have united to pro can, andSen.James Lankford, Okla- Rep. J. Forbes, Randy Republi Virginia - Nearly 100 members, co-chaired by was created in2005 for thispurpose. — anofficial caucus ofthe Congress — toemerging fillthe gap. fully, anew generation of leaders is slowly eroding allaround us.Thank thatity thethings we hold sacred are These battles tangible a confirm real- vestige life of American andculture. efforts to removefrom God every been asteady undercurrent of targeted Elected representatives are again Nevertheless, “we thepeople” Protecting does religious liberty The Prayer American Caucus In 2005, theCongressional Prayer The Congressional Prayer Caucus - - - Charlotte, North Carolina. Faith andFreedom To in America) mit (theacronym is:Leaders Inspiring Sum- Religious Liberty America LIFFT leadersernment at thefirst-of-its-kind launched thisyear onMarch 7by gov for anationwide prayer initiative was Initiative. This unprecedented call through theextraordinary PrayUSA andthosewho lead her the country andonevoiceone heart to pray for calling onGod’s people to with unify do not fully capture everything that is powerful words, and stirring but they excitement, motivation: These are before God.Enthusiasm,inspiration, a show andhumble petition of unity ment leaders standing sideby sidein church with andgovernservices - PrayUSA Sunday Spotlights orspecial the United States are scheduling compromised. arereligious liberties increasingly nation’s heritage Judeo-Christian and of faith cannolonger besilentasour (opposite page), that declaring people to Prayer for Proclamation America all who were present aCall signed In asolemn andhistoric ceremony, the growing anti-faith movement. states gathered to effectively challenge gress and36legislators representing 25 Lankford. Sixteen members of Con- Mr. alongwith tion Forbes andMr. Congressional Prayer Caucus Founda- Today, localcongregations across The summit was convened by the - Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor, theolo PrayUSA Sunday. com to helpchurches schedule a kits are available at www.PrayUSA. three-minute anddownloadable video this historic movement. Aninspiring and 140,000 citizens have said “yes” to ment leaders, 50leading organizations the nation. To date, nearly 900govern- happening. facebook.com/CPCFoundation. foundation.com orFacebook atwww. more information, visitwww.cpc- heritage andpromoting prayer. For preserving America’s Judeo-Christian ted to protecting religious freedom, leaders nationwide who are commit to unite andmobilize government nonprofit organization established Caucus Foundation, anonpartisan, director oftheCongressional Prayer Lea Carawan ispresident andexecutive energized movement. ened focus, abold declaration andan hope, resolve, astrengthened asharp gether, we candemonstrate arenewed totime and itto act istime pray. To itself.” isevil evil to isto act Silence act. intheface of War II: “Not to speakisto speak.Not wordsthese sobering World during andanti-Nazigian dissident, offered In anera not that longago, Dietrich This initiative isexploding across America, itto istime America, speak,it is - - - - HUNDREDS OF GOVERNMENT LEADERS CALLING THE NATION TO PRAYER

National, state and local leaders who are leading the Call to Prayer for America:

U.S. Congressman Rick Allen (GA) Representative Chris Brown (MS) U.S. Congressman Mike Conaway (TX) Senator Dan Brown (MO) U.S. Senator Steve Daines (MT) Representative J. Paul Brown (CO) U.S. Congressman John Fleming (LA) Representative Mike Brown (OK) U.S. Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA) Governor Sam Brownback (KS) U.S. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE) Senator Nickey Browning (MS) U.S. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC) Representative David Brumbaugh (OK) U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett (NJ) Representative Steve Brunk (KS) A SP E U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (NC) Representative Jim Buchy (OH) U.S. Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL) Representative Perry Buck (CO) U.S. Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO) Representative Tony Burkley (OH) CI A L RE P OR U.S. Senator James Lankford (OK) Senator Dave C. Burns (ME) U.S. Congressman Randy Neugebauer (TX) Senator Terry C. Burton (MS) U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce (NM) Representative Charles Busby (MS) U.S. Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC) Senator Albert Butler (MS) U.S. Congressman Scott Rigell (VA) Representative Larry Byrd (MS) U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (MI) Representative Wes Cantrell (GA) T P RE U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson (SC) Senator Videt Carmichael (MS) U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA) Representative Black Carpenter (KS)

Senator Steve E. Abrams (KS) Representative Will Carpenter (KS) ARED BY The Wa Representative Stephen Alford (KS) Representative Dennis Casey (OK) Senator Mark Allen (OK) Senator Tom Casperson (MI) Representative Ron Amstutz (OH) Representative Joyce Chandler (GA) Senator Joel Anderson (CA) Representative Bubba Carpenter (MS) Representative Steven Anthimides (KS) Senator Marie Chappelle-Nadal (MO) Representative Don Armes (OK) Senator Lydia Chassaniol (MS) Representative Tracy Arnold (MS) 3FQSFTFOUBUJWF-FF$IBUmFME .* Representative Dean Arp (NC) Representative Gary Chism (MS) Representative Marilyn Avila (NC) Representative Mike Christian (OK) s h i ng Representative Bernard Ayotte (ME) Representative David Clark (GA) Representative Kurt Bahr (MO) Representative Heath Clark (GA) t

Representative Bob Ballinger (AR) Representative Tyler Clark (ME) on T im e s ADVO C Representative Gary Banz (OK) Representative Josh Cockroft (OK) Representative John Barker (KS) Senator Patrick Colbeck (MI) Representative Timothy Barr (GA) Representative Tristan Cole (MI) Senator Warren Daniel (NC) Representative Bo Eaton (MS) Senator Earl Garrison (OK) Representative Tom Barrett (MI) Senator Nancy Adams Collins (MS) Representative David Dank (OK) Representative Jon Echols (OK) Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (MI) Representative Tony Barton (KS) Representative Jeff Collins (NC) Senator Jim Davis (NC) Senator Ed Emery (MO) Senator Cathy Giessel (AK) Representative Paul Battles (GA) Senator Ronald Collins (ME) Senator Kim David (OK) Senator Judy Emmons (MI) Representative Tim Ginter (OH) THE WASHINGTON TIMES Senator Molly Baumgardner (KS) Senator Michael Connelly (IL) Representative Dennis DeBar (MS) Representative Terry England (GA) Representative Mike Glanton (GA) Representative Jim Beckett (MS) Representative Donnie Condit (OK) Representative Pete DeGraaf (KS) Representative John Enns (OK) Representative Gary Glenn (MI)

Representative John Bennett (OK) Representative Margaret Conditt (OH) Representative Scott DeLano (MS) Representative Nora Espinoza (NM) Representative Larry Glenn (OK) A Representative Richard Bennett (MS) Representative Kathleen Conti (CO) Senator Tom Dempsey (MO) Representative Eleanor Espling (ME) Senator Tommy Gollott (MS) C Y DE P Representative Richard Billinger (KS) Representative Ann Coody (OK) Representative Lee Denney (OK) Representative Casey Eure (MS) Representative Ramon Gonzalez, Jr. (KS) Representative Lisa Billy (OK) Representative Kevin Cooke (GA) Representative Bill Denny (MS) Representative Justin Everett (CO) Representative Randy Grau (OK) Representative David Derby (OK) Representative John Ewy (KS) Representative Doug Green (OH)

Senator Brian Bingman (OK) Representative Amarian Cooksey (OK) AR Senator Tim Bivins (IL) Representative Travis Couture-Lovelady (KS) Representative Tim Derickson (OH) Mayor Julie Ferguson (OK) Senator Stewart Greenleaf (PA) Representative John Bizon (MI) Majority Leader Kirk Cox (VA) Representative Dale DeWitt (OK) Senator Eddie Fields (OK) 4FOBUPS"+(SJGmO 0, TM EN T Senator Larry Boggs (OK) Representative Dale Crafts (ME) Representative Jonathan Dever (OH) Representative Dan Fisher (OK) Senator Larry Grooms (SC) Representative Sue Boldra (KS) Representative Dean Cray (ME) Senator Bob Dixon (MO) Senator Joey Fillingane (MS) Representative Cheryl Grossman (OH) Representative C. Scott Bounds (MS) Representative Jarrod Crockett (ME) Representative Timothy Dore (CO) Representative Blaine Finch (KS) Representative Stacey Guerin (ME) |

Senator Elaine Bowers (KS) Senator Mike Cunningham (MO) Representative Joe Dorman (OK) Senator John Ford (OK) Representative Philip Gunn (MS) Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 Representative Randy Boyd (MS) Representative Becky Currie (MS) Senator Sally Doty (MS) Representative Mark Formby (MS) Representative Christina Hagan (OH) Representative John Bradford (KS) Senator Andre Cushing (ME) Representative Willie Dove (KS) Representative William Fourkiller (OK) Senator William Haine (IL) Senator Josh Brecheen (OK) Senator David Curtis (NC) Senator Dan Duffy (IL) Senator Jack Fry (OK) Senator Steve Hale (MS) Senator Rick Brinkley (OK) Representative Philip Curtis (ME) Representative Emory Dunahoo (GA) Senator Phillip Gandy (MS) Representative David Hall (OH) Senator Bill Brown (OK) Senator Nathan Dahm (OK) Senator Fred Dyson (AK) Representative Randy Garber (KS) See more at PrayUSA.com You can join nearly 900 government leaders, 50 leading organizations and over 100,000 citizens who have said, “Yes!” to this historic call for unceasing prayer.

Sign the Proclamation at: www.PrayUSA.com 33 america’s story of prayer, then and now Mobilizing heavenly forces America is a nation that called for fasting and prayer at pivotal times of great peril

that the said first day of June be set 400 British ships in the New York har- and peace.” apart, by the members of this House as a bor, Gen. Washington ordered, on May Benedict Arnold plotted to be- Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, 15, 1776: tray West Point. After his plans were devoutly to implore the Divine interpo- “The Continental Congress having thwarted, the Continental Congress sition, for averting the heavy calamity ordered Friday the 17th instant to be issued a Day of Thanksgiving on Oct. 18, which threatens destruction to our civil observed as a Day of Fasting, Humilia- 1780: rights … Ordered, therefore that the tion and Prayer, humbly to supplicate the “In the late remarkable interposi- Members of this House do attend … with mercy of Almighty God, that it would tion of His watchful providence, in the the Speaker, and the mace, to the Church please Him to pardon all our manifold rescuing the person of our Commander- in this City, for the purposes aforesaid; sins and transgressions, and to prosper in-Chief and the army from imminent and that the Reverend Mr. Price be ap- the arms of the United Colonies, and fi- dangers, at the moment when treason pointed to read prayers, and the Rever- nally establish the peace and freedom of was ripened for execution … it is there- end Mr. Gwatkin, to preach a sermon.” America upon a solid and lasting founda- fore recommended … a Day of Public George Washington wrote in his tion; The General commands all officers Thanksgiving and Prayer … to confess diary on June 1, 1774: “Went to church, and soldiers to pay strict obedience to our unworthiness … and to offer fervent fasted all day.” the orders of the Continental Congress; supplications to the God of all grace … to By William J. Federer On April 15, 1775, four days before the that, by their unfeigned and pious obser- cause the knowledge of Christianity to Battle of Lexington and Concord, the vance of their religious duties, they may spread over all the earth.” uring threats of war, Massachusetts Provincial Congress, led incline the Lord and Giver of victory to British Lord Cornwallis’ surrender at Benjamin Franklin orga- by John Hancock, proclaimed: nized Pennsylvania’s first “In circumstances dark as these, it be- “volunteer” militia and comes us, as men and Christians, to re- proposed a “general fast,” flect that, whilst every prudent measure TM EN T

AR which was approved by should be taken to ward off the impend- Pennsylvania’s president ing judgments … the 11th of May next be

Y DE P and council and published in the Penn- set apart as a Day of Public Humiliation, C A Dsylvania Gazette, Dec. 12, 1747: Fasting and Prayer … to confess their sins “The calamities of a bloody war … … to implore the Forgiveness of all our seem every year more nearly to ap- Transgression.” proach us … and there is just reason to After the Continental Congress pass- fear that unless we humble ourselves ing a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting before the Lord and amend our ways, and Prayer, John Adams wrote to his C on T im e s ADVO we may be chastised with yet heavier wife, Abigail, on July 12, 1775: judgments. We have … thought fit … to “We have appointed a Continental

shi n gt appoint … a Day of Fasting & Prayer, ex- fast. Millions will be upon their knees at horting all, both Ministers & People … to once before their great Creator, implor- join with one accord in the most humble ing His forgiveness and blessing; His & fervent supplications that Almighty smiles on American Council and arms.” God would mercifully interpose and still Col. Knox’s cannons from Fort Ti- the rage of war among the nations & put conderoga were placed on Dorchester T h e Wa ARED BY a stop to the effusion of Christian blood.” Heights overlooking the docked British ships. Gen. Washington then ordered, on prosper our arms.” Yorktown on Oct. 19, 1781, and the Treaty

T P RE March 6, 1776: The British attacked Washington’s of Paris in 1783 officially ended the

ON TIM E S George Washington “Thursday, the 7th … being set apart position, August 27, 1776, in the Battle Revolution. wrote in his diary on by this Province as a Day of Fasting, of Brooklyn Heights. Despite the Brit- Ronald Reagan stated Jan. 27, 1983, “In Prayer and Humiliation, ‘to implore the ish advantage of a surprise attack from 1775, the Continental Congress pro- SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR June 1, 1774: “Went to Lord and Giver of all victory to pardon behind, Washington’s troops were able to claimed the first National Day of Prayer. church, fasted all day.” our manifold sins and wickedness, and be evacuated under cover of a providen- … In 1783, the Treaty of Paris officially A SP E TH E W

that it would please Him to bless the tial fog. ended the long, weary Revolution- | When the British announced that Continental army with His divine favor After the surrender of 6,000 British ary War during which a National Day they would blockade Boston Harbor on and protection,’ all officers and soldiers troops at the Battle of Saratoga, the Con- of Prayer had been proclaimed every June 1, 1774, Thomas Jefferson drafted a are strictly enjoined to pay all due rever- tinental Congress proclaimed the first Na- spring for eight years.” “Day of Fasting,” which was introduced ence and attention on that day to the tional Day of Thanksgiving, Nov. 1, 1777: into the Virginia House of Burgesses by sacred duties due to the Lord of hosts “That with one heart and one voice William J. Federer is an American writer Robert Carter Nicholas with the support for His mercies already received, and for the good people may express the grateful of over 20 books. “America’s God and of Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee and those blessings which our holiness and feeling of their hearts … join the penitent Country Encyclopedia of Quotations” George Mason, and passed unanimously: uprightness of life can alone encourage confession of their manifold sins … that has sold more than a half-million copies. “This House, being deeply impressed us to hope through His mercy to obtain.” it may please God, through the merits He hosts two daily syndicated radio pro- with apprehension of the great dan- The next day, a storm forced Brit- of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and grams: “Faith in History” and “The Amer- gers, to be derived to British America, ish Gen. Howe to abandon his plans of blot them out of remembrance … and … ican Minute,” which summarizes what

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday from the hostile invasion of the City of attacking the cannons on Dorchester under the providence of Almighty God … happened on a certain day in history. Boston, in our sister Colony of Mas- Heights, and he soon evacuated Boston. secure for these United States the great- 34 sachusetts … deem it highly necessary Facing 10,000 British troops aboard est of all human blessings, independence america’s story of prayer, then and now Learn to ‘pray with our legs’

beautiful union of both. Prayer leads us breath, the bread without the wheat. trust in God’s hand. Not everyone is in how to act. Prayer itself is a type of To quote the title of Fil Anderson’s called to pray and act in the same way, action. Actions can be empty without book, we run the danger of Running on but all are called to both act and pray prayer. Action, as it did for Douglass, can Empty. The book’s description captures in some capacity. And that is what we become a prayer when offered for the the struggle of those drawn to act and empower women to do. sake of God’s Kingdom. The two are truly tempted to forgo prayer: “Learn to live Concerned Women for America, inseparable, yet we often detach them. with God instead of for God.” along with the American Prayer Initia- If we emphasize only prayer, we risk There is great irony in acting without tive that I was so honored to help found, becoming lazy or complacent, believing prayer, because prayer is such a pow- are vehicles to help enable rhythms our trust in God can somehow make up erful tool for making things happen. of prayer and action to become part for our disobedient inaction. In Exodus “Prayer causes things to happen that of our everyday practices of cultural 14:13, Moses tells the Israelites, “The would not happen if you did not pray,” engagement. Lord will fight for you; you need only to pastor John Piper teaches. “If you do not This isn’t just a nice idea; it is a be still.” This verse is often misleadingly avail yourself of the privilege of bringing lived reality. It’s a reality when we do a cut off there, when in the very next verse to pass events in the universe that would devotional and prayer time before each Moses was corrected by God: “Why are not take place if you didn’t pray, you are staff meeting and a busy day of action. By Penny Nance you crying out to me? Tell the Israel- acting like a colossal fool.” It’s a reality when we are praying for the ites to move on. Raise your staff … to The proper union of prayer and victims of Islamic terrorism and speak- “I prayed for 20 years but received divide the water.” God told Moses that it action is found in Acts 13, when prayer ing out to release captive Americans no answer until I prayed with my legs,” wasn’t right to just pray; real action was empowered the selection of active held by an Islamic regime. It’s a reality said slave turned abolitionist statesman required. leaders: “In the church at Antioch there when my email inbox is full of prayer Frederick Douglass. Action is also de-emphasized when were prophets and teachers … while they requests from our active state leaders. His words give a sweet reminder of we begin to slip into a way of think- were worshipping the Lord and fast- And it’s a tangible practice when, at the the dangers of believing in the spiritu- ing that says God can be found only in ing, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for end of each article, we encourage our ality of prayer without the tangibility a church through our prayers, that He me Barnabas and Saul for the work to women with clear prayer intentions and of action. At Concerned Women for belongs in a sacred zone cut off from which I have called them.’ So after they action steps. A SP E America, the nation’s largest women’s the rest of our life. By contrast, Paul had fasted and prayed, they placed their May we “pray with our legs,” letting public policy organization, we believe urges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to “pray hands on them and sent them off. The prayer propel us into stepping forward CI A L RE P OR both prayer and action are indispensable without ceasing,” which is possible only two of them, sent on their way by the with confidence in our God and with and inseparable parts of fruitful cultural when prayers accompany us as we act Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and strength for the prayerful, active path He engagement. throughout all of daily life: “And what- … proclaimed the word of God … John will lead us on. We do not believe our Scripture tells us “faith without deeds ever you do, whether in word or deed, was with them as their helper.” efforts will be successful otherwise. T P RE is dead” (James 2:26) and encourages us do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, This is a beautiful illustration that

to “always pray and not give up” (Luke giving thanks to God” (Colossians 3:17). each person in this story — the fasters, Penny Young Nance is CEO and ARED BY The Wa 18:1). Thus God endowed His creatures On the other extreme, if we empha- the missionaries, and John — and their president of Concerned Women for with not only the ability to pray and act, size only action at the expense of prayer, own roles in prayer and action. There America, with a membership of a but the obligation to do so. we easily burn out. We seek the goal are times when God asks us to sit back half-million in 450 chapters, and is By emphasizing prayer or action without the means, the roof without and let Him act — our action then being a recognized authority on cultural, disproportionately, we miss the deeply the foundation, the words without the to blindly move forward, putting all our children’s and women’s issues. s h i ng t Does prayer still work in America? on T im e s ADVO C

simple. The people were called to a to Plymouth Plantation, living out Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia. This THE WASHINGTON TIMES day of prayer and fasting. The Wampa- his days with them as neighbors and was the very first Continental Con- A

noag Indians had already been first- friends. gress. They were convening to discuss C hand witnesses of the genuine Chris- their response to the “Intolerable Acts Y DE P tian faith of these Pilgrim families, but of Tyranny” being poured out on the this day would amaze them even more. colonies by the English crown. Recog- AR

“Turn from your wicked TM EN T Before the day ended, a gentle rain ways” — Repentance nizing the crisis they faced, a motion began to fall. does not simply mean was made that they should pray before One of the Indians who worked most they began their work in order to seek | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 closely with the Pilgrims was Hob- that you are sorry that God’s guidance and blessing. A local bamock. His testimony was recorded you did something. parson from Christ’s Church came on in Cotton Mather’s book, The Great the morning of Sept. 7, 1774, and history Works of Christ in America, “Now I Repentance means a records that the very first act of Con- see that the Englishman’s God is a good change of direction. Talk gress was to hold an extended Bible God; for he hath heard you, and sent is cheap. As Christians, devotional and prayer meeting. you rain, and that without such tempest our walk of faith should Over 300 times, either the Conti- By Paul Blair and thunder as we used to have with nental Congress or individual state It had already been a difficult year, our rain; which after our Powawing for match our talk of faith. governments called for days of prayer that first year the Pilgrims landed in it, breaks down the corn; whereas your and fasting during our War for Inde- Cape Cod, but now a drought was jeop- corn stands whole and good still; surely, From the beginning, prayer has been pendence to humble themselves before ardizing their corn crop which in turn your God is a good God.” an integral part of America’s history. God and seek his divine presence. could jeopardize their very existence. Hobbamock became a Christian In September 1774, representa- What would they do? The answer was and built an Indian village adjacent tives of 12 of the 13 colonies met at » see America | C37 35 america’s story of prayer, then and now Adopt a precinct What if someone covered your home, family and you in specific prayer? that live there are assigned to a specific explaining Adopt A Precinct were sent who live with you are special. Are pretty precinct. All of this information is placed out to our database, and interested unique. Are loved. on a voter-list database. people quickly signed up. They received Your street. Your block. Your neigh- Any campaign for an elected of- the precinct of their choice via email. In borhood. Is special. Is pretty unique. Is fice has access to these voter lists. their hands, they now had exact names, loved. What if someone seriously prayed Campaigns divide the voter lists into streets and neighborhoods to pray for. for you. By name. For your home. Your neighborhood precincts. Volunteers They began to rally the troops. Some street. Your block. Your neighborhood. place the precincts with the voter lists precincts enlisted their small groups. Maybe you stand silently anxious into packets. Anyone who works for Others invited individuals. All precincts at the intersection of prayer and ac- a campaign and wants to help get the were activated for transformational tion. Because it’s unfamiliar territory. vote out will be given a precinct packet. Maybe your life is anxious and busy, and I was armed with a clipboard, pen and certainly doesn’t feel residential. Maybe precinct packets, and I resolved strategi- Maybe you stand silently you resolve to make a difference. In your cally to cover the area. Pretty simple list. anxious at the intersection home. Your street. Your neighborhood. What a powerful resource. of prayer and action. Your city. Your state. Your country. Prayer. It’s also pretty simple. It’s But you don’t know where to enlist. By Shelly Huey the powerful resource for strategically Because it’s unfamiliar Imagine every campaign in this covering an area. It was a no-brainer territory. Maybe your nation utilizing this targeted strategy, be- t was typical Saturday morning, to make prayer an integral part of our life is anxious and busy, cause every campaign seems to be going sunny Southern California kinda campaign. It started with early-morning somewhere. Imagine every campaign day. Everyone seemed to be going prayer meetings, which grew into neigh- and certainly doesn’t mobilizing an army of saints to specifi- somewhere. With urgency. With no borhood prayer walks and eventually feel residential. Maybe cally pray. With urgency. Imagine every time to wait. I stood silently anxious districtwide prayer drives. you resolve to make campaign activating the one and only at the intersection of busy, resi- But there had to be more than this. a difference. In your true hope into each neighborhood. On dential streets. This was familiar We needed to utilize the tools that every street. We have no time to wait. territory. I loved this neighborhood. Lots we already had, to target specific areas. home. Your street. Your Wherever you live, a campaign is TM EN T AR Iof great memories were made here. I drove We began by putting up the congressio- neighborhood. Your city. happening, from local elections to those streets daily in my car. nal district map in our campaign office, Your state. Your country. presidential.

Y DE P Only this day was different. What a outlining on it where the precincts are. You get to be the voice to tell them C

A unique perspective this would be. Daily, we updated the map and specifi- about Adopt A Precinct, you get to drive I would be walking up to each door cally marked the precincts that were prayer throughout the district. them to victoryupdates.com so they can at each house. I couldn’t wait to talk to walked and covered by volunteers. Then Hundreds of precincts were adopted. see the videos and learn, and you get to the people about voting. And to engage it dawned on me. Hundreds of prayer warriors were email me: [email protected] if you them in conversation about voting Why not have a prayer warrior who mobilized. have questions. their values, and defending liberty and lives in that neighborhood — within that Thousands of households were spe- C on T im e s ADVO freedom. precinct — “adopt” the precinct? And in cifically prayed for. Hundreds of thou- Ms. Shelly Huey is the author of Victory My husband, Craig, was running in a that adoption, they will be able to target sands of individual names were covered Update, a training program that pro-

shi n gt special election in California for the U.S specific streets, homes and names in in prayer. The effect on that election motes “adopting a precinct” in prayer Congress. So naturally, I enlisted to walk prayer! cycle was beyond special. to identify, connect, inform and activate neighborhood precincts. Every address So, we launched Adopt A Precinct You are beyond special. Pretty Christian believers for civic engagement. in this nation, and the registered voters during our campaign. A series of videos unique. Loved. Your home and those T h e Wa ARED BY “If my people who are called by my you are sorry that you did something. being only moderately important.

T P RE America name” — Prayer is a family privilege. Repentance means a change of direc- Christianity is not something we ON TIM E S From page C35 God is omniscient, but He only obli- tion. Talk is cheap. As Christians, our join or something we do every Sun- gates Himself to answer the prayers of walk of faith should match our talk of day morning. Christianity is who we At one time, Americans believed in His children. How do you become a faith. become by faith in the Biblical and SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR God and humbly sought His blessings child of God? By faith in Jesus Christ “Then”, God says, “I will forgive historical truth that Christ, being fully and protection. After 239 years, God (John 3:16, John 14:6). your sin and heal your land.” God is God and fully man, died for our sins A SP E TH E W

has not changed. Unfortunately, the “Shall humble themselves and pray” not obligated to do His part, until we and rose again for our justification. | American people have. The air hangs — This literally means to bend your do ours. Remember, God is not Santa It is great to have friends in high heavy with hypocrisy when we see knees before the Creator recognizing Clause, just there to give us our every places, and there is none greater than everyone from members of the media that He is God and we aren’t. Then, lay wish. It’s His desire for our will to having access to the Heavenly Father to members of our government asking your petitions and praises at His feet. become more like His. Remember, the through faith in the death, burial and prayer for the victim’s families after “Seek my face” — A Jewish term Disciples’ Prayer says, “Thy will be resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ as some great tragedy strikes, while at meaning to seek God’s direction. done” not “my will be done.” our Savior and Lord. the same time, ignoring the firing of a Prayer is not continuing to behave As the former agnostic who be- high-school football coach who allows badly and expecting God to rescue came a great Christian philosopher, Mr. Paul Blair is a retired NFL football students to voluntarily pray with him us from the consequences of our bad C.S. Lewis, once said: “Christianity, if player who now serves as the Senior after a ball game. behavior. Living by faith means to walk false, is of no importance, and if true, Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in God is still in the prayer-answering in His known will as obedient children. of infinite importance. The only thing Edmond, Oklahoma, and president

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday business, but prayer is on His terms. We have His Word, the Holy Bible. it cannot be is moderately important.” of Reclaiming America for Christ. The simple power of prayer is revealed “Turn from your wicked ways” — The problem with America is that we 36 in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Repentance does not simply mean that have too many who treat Christ as america’s story of prayer, then and now Praying the Gettysburg Address

for salvation. In our time of broken families, pre- the living, rather, to be dedicated here The Declaration of Independence born babies who are treated as nothing to the unfinished work which they and our Constitution laid the most more than property to be discarded at who fought here have thus far so nobly beautiful foundation for a country in will, a divisive citizenry, and govern- advanced. It is rather for us to be here the history of the world. Still, the Con- ment encroachment into every aspect dedicated to the great task remaining stitution was imperfect, and needed to of our lives, I invite you to join me in before us — that from these honored be amended many times. Particularly allowing the Gettysburg Address to dead we take increased devotion to glaring was the evil of slavery that become the cry of our hearts. that cause for which they gave the last legally thrived under both documents Pray it with me to pay homage to full measure of devotion — that we in our nation’s early years. those who gave their lives to secure here highly resolve that these dead Then came President Lincoln, the freedom within America for every shall not have died in vain — that this “prairie lawyer.” He knew American human being. Pray it so that America nation, under God, shall have a new law well enough to distill its meaning may, once again, become “one nation, birth of freedom — and that govern- down to a simple phrase, “government under God, indivisible, with liberty ment of the people, by the people, for of the people, by the people, and for and justice for all.” the people, shall not perish from the the people.” No one had ever before “Four score and seven years ago our earth.” By Rebecca Hagelin so concisely explained the history of fathers brought forth on this continent Take time to search through the rich ften times, our most effec- America, or our great experiment in a new nation, conceived in liberty, and historic treasury of America’s great tive prayers are those we democracy, as Abraham Lincoln did in dedicated to the proposition that all leaders; and simultaneously, search pray spontaneously alone his Gettysburg Address. He succinctly men are created equal. through the pages of the Bible. In both based on the current cry stated the purpose of the “American of our heart. Other times, law,” just as Christ had done so long it is more fitting to join in before regarding God’s law. a common group prayer, Under Lincoln’s leadership, America or with one person praying on behalf of Oall those assembled. A SP E Whenever and however you choose Praying to God portions to pray for our nation matters not. What CI A L RE P OR is critical is that we actually do so. of the Gettysburg Address One of America’s definitive docu- is a very effective way ments is essentially a prayer straight to pray for America and from the heart of a man who saw the our freedom. Just as we T P RE full potential of our great nation. The use the Lord’s prayer Gettysburg Address beautifully distills ARED BY The Wa the meaning of America, its history as a template to teach and purpose, in a manner that lends it- us how to pray to God self to easily become a prayerful cry of about our relationship our hearts, whether whispered on our knees by our bedsides, or boldly from a with him, so may we use microphone in a public gathering. the Gettysburg Address s h i ng I’m struck by the similarities be- as a template to pray to t tween how Jesus Christ brought clarity on T im e s ADVO C and fulfillment to the Mosaic Law, God about our nation. and how President Abraham Lincoln brought clarity and fulfillment to our was finally able to “fulfill” the prom- nation’s founding documents. ise to those who were still enslaved, THE WASHINGTON TIMES The Mosaic Law of the Old Testa- guaranteeing Thomas Jefferson’s words A

ment was beautiful and guiding, but it written in the Declaration of Indepen- C had one major imperfection; No man dence, “We hold these truths to be self- Now we are engaged in a great civil places, you will find inspiring accounts Y DE P was able to fully follow it. Only Jesus evident, that all men are created equal, war, testing whether that nation, or any of men and women, powerful and ordi- Christ, both man and God, could fulfill that they are endowed by their Creator nation so conceived and so dedicated, nary, who, when finding themselves in AR the law. Because he knew and followed with certain unalienable Rights, that can long endure. We are met on a great difficult times turned to God in prayer TM EN T the law of God perfectly, he was able among these are Life, Liberty and the battlefield of that war. We have come and saw Him answer in miraculous

to distill it into two short and simple Pursuit of Happiness.” Lincoln’s leader- to dedicate a portion of that field, as a ways. For suggested prayers based on | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 maxims for our understanding, edifica- ship did to America’s founding docu- final resting place for those who here these people, events and truths, visit tion, and salvation: “Love the Lord ments what Jesus’ life and sacrifice did gave their lives that that nation might the website of the American Prayer your God with all your heart and with to Mosaic Law: Removed the deadly live. It is altogether fitting and proper Initiative (www.americanprayerinitia- all your soul and with all your mind flaw without destroying the righteous that we should do this. tive.org), a project founded to help and with all your strength,” and “Love foundation. But, in a larger sense, we can not restore America’s biblical roots and your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark Praying to God portions of the Get- dedicate, we can not consecrate, we founding principles. 12:30-31) Christ fulfilled every single tysburg Address is a very effective way can not hallow this ground. The brave element of the law. And by doing so, to pray for America and our freedom. men, living and dead, who struggled Rebecca Hagelin has been promot- he brought freedom to all who were Just as we use the Lord’s prayer as a here, have consecrated it, far above ing faith, freedom and family for 30 enslaved to the power of sin. He trans- template to teach us how to pray to God our poor power to add or detract. The years. She is a columnist and author formed an unattainable set of rules about our relationship with him, so may world will little note, nor long remem- of the parenting book, “30 Ways in into a series of signs, revealing to us we use the Gettysburg Address as a tem- ber what we say here, but it can never 30 Days to Protect Your Family”, both God’s holiness and our own need plate to pray to God about our nation. forget what they did here. It is for us scheduled for rerelease in May. 37 america’s story of prayer, then and now On our knees

1787 and ratified by the states the fol- God, to obey His will, to be grateful for • Banned the use of religious clergy lowing year. His benefits, and humbly to implore to teach even optional religious In 1789, Congress convened and ap- His protection and favor.” instruction in public schools. proved the amendments to the Consti- John Adams followed Washington as • Banned a Christmas nativity scene tution, including the First Amendment America’s next president. On March 23, in a public building. which guaranteed religious liberty. 1798, Adams issued a proclamation for • Banned school-sponsored prayer at One of the first orders of business was a National Day of Humiliation, Fasting graduation ceremonies. to pass a measure providing a salary and Prayer. It read, in part: While American independence was for the chaplain of the Congress, who “That the citizens of these states, born on July 4, 1776, that tree of liberty would conduct opening prayers. abstaining on that day from their was birthed because of the seeds When George Washington resigned customary worldly occupations, offer planted by men like Patrick Henry. his commission as commander in their devout addresses to the Father of What Mr. Henry said in Richmond in chief of the Revolutionary Army, he Mercies, agreeably to those forms or 1775 speaks to the soul of America now: circulated his farewell address to the methods which they have severally ad- “They tell us sir that we are weak — governors of the 13 states. He ended it opted as the most suitable and becom- unable to cope with so formidable an with his “earnest prayer” that they re- ing: That all religious congregations adversary. But when shall we be stron- By Janet Parshall member: “What doth the Lord require do, with the deepest humility, acknowl- ger? Will it be the next week, or the merica is in trouble. Poll- of thee, but to do justly, and to love edge before GOD (emphasis mine) next year? Shall we acquire the means ing data from Rasmussen mercy, and to walk humbly with thy the manifold sins and transgressions of effectual resistance by lying supinely Reports shows that only God” (Micah 6:8). with which we are justly chargeable as on our backs? … We fight not our battles one in four Americans In another farewell address, Wash- individuals and as a nation; beseeching alone. There is a just God who presides thinks we are heading in ington, the president, returned to Him, at the same time, of His infinite over the destinies of nations.” the right direction. Sixty- Grace, through the Redeemer of the We face foreign enemies today no nine percent of voters be- world, freely to remit all our offenses, less formidable than those engaged by lieve the nation is headed down the wrong We face foreign enemies and to incline us, by His holy spirit, to our forefathers. But they knew what track.A Something is wrong, but few can today no less formidable that sincere repentance and reforma- many of us have forgotten. God has identify how to get America back on the tion which may afford us reason to the power to grant us not only victory right path. than those engaged by our hope for His inestimable favor and against our foes, but also bring peace TM EN T

AR Perhaps we are looking for solutions forefathers. But they knew heavenly benediction.” to the turmoil in our own hearts. The in the wrong places. In tough times, we what many of us have In addition to Washington and question before us now is whether

Y DE P tend to look outward, “It’s their fault.” Adams, almost every president has or not we will call on His name and C

A Or we turn inward, “That problem is forgotten. God has the issued proclamations calling upon seek His guidance, petitioning for His not my problem.” What we need to do, power to grant us not only citizens to set aside a day of prayer and wisdom in the days ahead. How we is look upward. We’ve been in rough victory against our foes, thanksgiving to God for the blessings answer that question will determine places before as a nation, and, if we but also bring peace to the of freedom. Yet, there is an undeniable whether we become a nation of hope allow history to be our teacher, those hostility against the role and acknowl- or a people of hopelessness. who went before us knew where to turmoil in our own hearts. edgment of faith from some of our na- Billy Graham was right when he C on T im e s ADVO turn in times of trouble. tional institutions. In the past 50 years, said, “To get nations back on their feet, We won our independence from the same theme by proclaiming that the U.S. Supreme Court has: we must first get down on our knees.”

shi n gt a suffocating monarchy, but we had there was no chance of any successful • Outlawed prayer in public schools. to learn how to govern ourselves. We national morality and no hope for any • Outlawed Bible reading in public Janet Parshall is the executive producer drafted our Declaration, acknowledg- real civic virtue apart from a worship- schools. and host of “In The Market with Janet ing our inalienable rights from our ful attitude toward God. He established • Banned the posting of the Ten Parshall,” nationally syndicated on over Creator followed by the initial Articles the first federal day of prayer, noting: Commandments in public schools. 700 stations across the country. Ms. of Confederation, which proved too “It is the duty of all nations to ac- • Banned a silent moment of prayer Parshall is the author of several books, T h e Wa ARED BY frail, so a Constitution was drafted in knowledge the providence of Almighty in public schools. including her latest, “Buyer Beware.” T P RE

ON TIM E S enough to acknowledge his obligations.” fact, during the Battle of the Bulge, Pat- crisis, strengthened us in times of chal- According to Washington, the hand ton declared that “We’ve got to get not lenge, and guided us through our daily Always of God was so apparent that anyone who only the chaplains but every man in the lives since the first settlers came to this SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR From page C29 did not feel an obligation to thank God Third Army to pray,” and to that end, he continent ... The most sublime picture in for what He had done for America was and his chaplain issued a prayer card to American history is of George Washing- A SP E TH E W

miles to hear,” with John Adams re- simply wicked. every one of the 250,000 soldiers under ton on his knees in the snow at Valley | porting, “It has had an excellent effect Between 1620 and 1815, colonial, state his command. History records that the Forge. That image personifies a people upon everybody here.” and federal governments issued more battle then changed from an apparent who know that it’s not enough to depend America continued its reliance on than 1,400 official calls to prayer. (Scores German victory to a resounding German on our own courage and goodness; we prayer throughout the Revolution, with of those original prayer proclamations defeat. must also seek help from God, our Fa- the Continental Congress calling the can be seen on WallBuilders.com.) And when Eisenhower was elected ther and Preserver.” nation to 15 separate days of prayer. Thousands more official calls to prayer president of the United States, he ac- The resulting frequent occasions of have been issued since 1815, often by our knowledged that “I was seeking a way Mr. David Barton — Founder of Wall- Divine intervention were so obvious national leaders. to point out that we were getting too Builders.com, preserving “America’s that George Washington told General For example, President Franklin D. secular.” He therefore wrote his own forgotten history and heroes, with Thomas Nelson: Roosevelt led the entire nation in a six- prayer that he publicly prayed at his own an emphasis on moral, religious and “The hand of Providence has been so and-a-half minute prayer as Allied troops inauguration. constitutional heritage,” is an author-

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday conspicuous in all this that He must be stormed the beaches on D-Day. Gens. There are hundreds more examples, ity on the role of faith in American worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. and as President Reagan affirmed: history. He is co-author of the book 38 more than wicked, that has not gratitude Patton also offered their own prayers. In “Prayer has sustained our people in “U-Turn” with George Barna. prayer in nature, culture and art Prayering in Nature, God’s Creation; Art and Prayer Praying ‘War Room’ into being Producers of the hit movie recall it as a series of answered prayers

By Stephen and Alex Kendrick

n Aug. 28, 2015, we had the privilege of releasing a feature film entitled “War Room” into U.S. theaters and over a dozen international mar- kets. The movie intro- duces viewers to the concept that prayer Ocan be a powerful weapon that will positively impact every area of our lives. In “War Room,” an elderly widow named Miss Clara shows a young woman her “wall of remembrance” in the foyer of her house. It’s a collage of pictures that serve as mementos of specifically answered prayers in her life. This concept was more than a plot point and artistic license for us. An- swered prayer was featured in living A SP E color in our home and church growing up. Our mom still tells the story of when CI A L RE P OR she was six years old and huddled under their kitchen table watching our grand- mother cry out to God for protection as a tornado hit their property. Afterward, T P RE they walked out to damaged buildings, Now, after 13 years, five films, and international distribution in 76 fallen power lines, and uprooted oak countries, we continue to be in awe of God’s precise provision in ARED BY The Wa trees around them, but their house was response to specific prayer. Each film has been the result, not of our left untouched. During the 1990s, we watched our fa- adequacy, but of a string of one answered prayer after another. ther, who didn’t have the money, books, or classrooms launch an independent, our office at Kendrick Brothers Produc- people who discovered that God really being” (Acts 17:27-28). private Christian school through prayer. tions, hangs our own wall of remem- does listen and respond to those who Prayer is not merely a ritual or a s h i ng They just celebrated their 25th anniver- brance. Eighteen photos that remind approach Him in faith. religious experience. It is about a rela- t sary. Once, when he needed funds to us of some of our favorite stories of Yet, we believe Jesus Christ remains tionship with a person — God Himself. on T im e s ADVO C rent a modular classroom, Dad prayed answered prayer. the ultimate model and master of prayer. When it is merely a selfish means to ac- for the $7,000 needed to set it up. A few Incredible provision. Unbelievable He would rise early or stay up late to cess the provision or protection of God days later, a married couple, unaware of direction. Impossible odds. We laugh pray. As His popularity was exploding, rather than about knowing and pleasing the need, dropped by his office said, “We and have yet to see God fail us. He would “often slip away to the wilder- the Person of God, then we are missing THE WASHINGTON TIMES believe God is leading us to give this to This concept is not new. The greatest ness and pray” (Luke 5:15-16). the point. But when the priority becomes A

you.” The man placed a check written men and women in the Bible were al- His first fully recorded sermon in the to connect in a loving relationship with C out for $7,000 on dad’s desk. Not a penny ways people of prayer. Abraham lived by scriptures explains the fundamentals Him — one on One — we have seen Y DE P more or less than what dad had re- faith, but was guided by prayer, and the of how to pray (Matt. 5-7). He gifted the that God will cause prayer to also help quested. Not a year too early or a month nations of the world, even today, are still world with the greatest model prayer us experience the powerful provision of AR too late. We were in awe. affected by those decisions. It was Isaac’s known to mankind (Matt. 6:9-13) and everything we need in such a way that TM EN T In 2002, following in our father’s prayerful intercession that resulted in later prayed the most powerful, priestly ultimately brings us great joy and gives

footsteps, we were privileged to launch a the birth of Jacob — who became the prayer of all time (John 17). As He threw Him great glory. | Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 faith-based movie ministry through our father of the twelve tribes of Israel (Gen. the crooked moneychangers out of the church with no money, no professional 25:21). Moses spoke with God “as a man temple, He shouted, “My house shall be Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick experience, and no film school train- speaks to his friend” and received God’s called a house of prayer” (Matt. 21:12-13). are writers and producers of the film ing. But we had learned that God could revelation for his leadership decisions Before laying down His life and even company Kendrick Brothers Produc- provide at every level, and so we laid (Ex. 33:11). The world still has the Torah while suffering on a Roman cross, Jesus tions. Their most recent film “War Room” every need before Him at each phase of and the timeless guidance of the Ten continued to make prayer His priority. (2015) was No. 1 at the box office in the the production. Commandments as fruit of it. We believe that answered prayers second week of its Labor Day release. Now, after 13 years, five films, and Nehemiah’s prayers resulted in Israel are not extreme coincidences. They are They recently released “The Battle international distribution in 76 coun- miraculously rebuilding the city walls of fingerprints of a living, loving God who Plan for Prayer” that teaches people tries, we continue to be in awe of God’s Jerusalem in record time. You can visit is inviting anyone willing to trust Him how to pray more effectively. Both are precise provision in response to specific Jerusalem, as we have, and see a portion by faith to draw close and enter into a active as lay ministers at Sherwood prayer. Each film has been the result, not of Nehemiah’s wall still standing today. relationship with the One who made us Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. of our adequacy, but of a string of one From Joseph to Jeremiah, Hannah to and “is not far from each one of us; for answered prayer after another. Now, in Hosea, the Scriptures are replete with in Him we live and move and have our 39 prayer in nature, culture and art Desperation drove us to our knees Miracles behind the making of the hit film, ‘Woodlawn’

themselves to Christ and to each other. what served as the catalyst to the great- the film, Woodlawn. So, it was fitting that I should be on my est spiritual awakening in a hundred People all over the nation have now knees to begin the project, even if that years. It began a movement of prayer experienced the film, and this story of wasn’t my decision. among young people. It began a season love conquering hatred couldn’t come Desperate times call for desperate of renewal. at a better time. It will be, by far, our prayer, and the situation we had gotten Desperation, it seems, has its purpose highest box-office success to date. The ourselves into warranted it. The actor we and its place. film has been extremely well received had cast to play Tony Nathan, the lead in The trouble is we so often avoid it. by critics and audiences alike. Hundreds the film, was having problems with his We outrun it and rationalize it. We build of stories similar to the film, of young work visa and was stuck in London. Our the walls of a false sense of security, so people making the same decisions for film had no star. Even worse, a large por- we don’t have to feel this terrifying thing. love and unity, are truly humbling and tion of our production budget had fallen We see it as a “bad” and “weak” emo- make the job worth it. out at the last minute, and we no longer tion. But what if we are running from So, I challenge you to have the had enough money to finish the movie. the cure? What if embracing our own courage to be desperate. And in your So, there I was, praying my heart out desperation is the key to change and desperation reach beyond your own By Jon Erwin wondering if Andy’s and my dream of growth? What if desperate prayer actu- ability or competency. Reach beyond telling this incredible story that our own ally works? the stars to the one who created them. It remember vividly being on my father had told us as children, would end It certainly did for me. God simply may just change your life. It may be that knees in prayer. It was one week in disappointment and disaster. The feel- showed up. There is no other way to de- your biggest battles are meant to be won before filming my brother’s and my ing that hung in my gut: desperation. scribe it. Within the week we discovered on your knees. third feature film, an inspiring, true It seems like desperation is always an incredible young actor, Caleb Castille, sports story called “Woodlawn.” a catalyst to prayer, and maybe that who was just amazing and even better Jon Erwin and his brother, Andrew, The tale was truly incredible; in isn’t a bad thing. Maybe we need more for the role of the film. His personal life’s began their careers as teenagers, work- the torn city of Birmingham (our of it. I remember talking to Gov. Mike story was so inspiring; he had traveled ing as camera operators for ESPN. In hometown) one high-school football Huckabee about the time our story was for months while we were promoting the 2005, the brothers ventured into direct- TM EN T AR Iteam’s commitment to love and unity set in: a turbulent season for America in film, inspiring high school kids every- ing commercials and music videos for saved their school from collapse and the early seventies which gave birth to where to follow their dreams. We never platinum artists including Amy Grant,

Y DE P brought their community back together. something called “The Jesus Movement.” ran out of money. In fact some of the Michael W. Smith and Skillet. They have C

A The film centers around one sponta- It was also the moment that changed final remaining needs were met within 12 directed the movies “October Baby” neous moment of prayer, with what his life and that of many other Christian hours of us needing them. God provided, (2011), “Mom’s Night Out” (2014) and ended up being a powerful scene in the leaders today. He told me desperation and we got to see Him do it. There is just “Woodlawn” (2015), in theaters now. movie, where the entire team commits was the fuel of it. It was necessary. It’s no other way to explain the existence of C on T im e s ADVO

shi n gt God is the issue Your view of God predicts how you will vote

2006 study conducted by the Baylor In- stripping God from public education to help him bring in the harvest. My T h e Wa ARED BY stitute for Studies of Religion this way: and the public square. They recognize accountability to God for my neighbor “You learn more about people’s moral that in order to reshape culture you dictated my civic duty to help make

T P RE and political behavior if you know must fundamentally alter the way sure no one was left behind. This is the

ON TIM E S their image of God than by almost any people see God. same dynamic that animated the abo- other measure.” The study revealed a In 1776, when the United States of litionist movement — the core belief clear correlation between how Ameri- America was founded, the average that I am to glorify God with my life by SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR cans view God and how they view eco- American in the course of a lifetime serving my neighbor, especially those nomics, morality, justice and politics. heard more than 3,000 sermons — at the bottom. A SP E TH E W

Americans who see God as personal addressing their accountability to Today, this view has been savaged | generally have higher moral standards God and their resultant responsibility by the theology of tolerance. The and are less reliant on government. for their fellow man. The core belief reigning belief now permeating most If that is true, then culture transfor- driving this perspective was that God branches of Christianity and Judaism mation must start at the most funda- is the sovereign king of creation and in America is, “God wants me to be mental level — our view God. Mar- therefore the chief purpose of mankind happy.” By Brad Bright garet Sanger, the founder of Planned is to glorify God. Almost all sects of Notre Dame sociologist Christian Parenthood, alluded to this connection. Christianity and Judaism espoused this Smith labels this moralistic therapeu- God is the issue. If I know how you She wrote, “Birth control appeals to in one form or another. tic deism. His insightful book “Soul see God, I can predict how you feel the advanced radical because it is Because of this view of God, the Searching” explores how younger about same-sex marriage, abortion, jus- calculated to undermine the author- free market worked well for America. Americans see God’s primary purpose tice and even many economic issues. I ity of the Christian churches.” This, When my neighbor’s barn burned for existing as ensuring their happi-

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday can also predict how you will vote. of course, is also the primary reason down, I pitched in to help rebuild his ness. They see God as a benevolent Baylor University professor Chris- that groups such as the American Civil barn. When my neighbor fell ill during 40 topher Bader summed up a landmark Liberties Union have obsessed over the harvest, I was obligated before God » see BRIGHT | C43 prayer in nature, culture and art God in the wind and the silence of nature

River. It was here that a single-engine Super Cub could land and then take us back to base camp. The measure of success of this hunt was far more than taking a very mature 41-inch ram. It was more than high- protein red meat to share or a spectacular mount for America’s Wildlife Museum and Aquarium, which I chair. It was mind over matter, conquering rugged, dangerous, bolder-strewn peaks with heavy packs that I’d trained for months in advance. It was an adventure that most retirement-age folks would never even consider. It was a place where God’s By Rob Keck hand made this all possible. It was here that one rides an emo- s I knelt on the rocky tional roller-coaster challenged by the ledge, wrapping my shak- physical and emotional stress of the hunt. ing hands around the Here one feels the anxiety of a storm huge full curl of horns front approaching, the concern that the of a Makenzie Mountain elusive game could disappear suddenly wild ram, I cried uncon- or the sheer terror of crossing a major trollably as the snow and rock slide, not knowing if the next rock rain pelted my shivering body. will give way to tragedy. AIt had taken almost two hours to reach As a hunter, it is in these times that I A SP E this Dall sheep from where I had made cling to God, feeling him closer than ever. the shot at 300 yards, much higher up I am touched by the spiritual movement CI A L RE P OR the mountain. The sheer drop-offs and of the mountains, the sunrise and sunset, narrow ledges of this jagged mountain the northern lights, the wind and, maybe made it very difficult and dangerous to most of all, the silence of this extremely traverse and reach my prize. Seven days remote place on earth. T P RE of a 10-day extreme backpack hunt in The great outdoors is a place where

the Northwest Territories of Canada had we can restore our lives, where we can ARED BY The Wa passed, and emotions were running wild grow and enjoy even more fully our as the success of this moment washed relationship with him. God reveals him- over me. self here in numerous ways, whether in As my guide Kevin and good friend tragedy or triumph. Don knelt beside me, I offered up a It is here in the outdoors that I feel prayer, as I always do after taking a game an even greater sense of commitment s h i ng animal. This was a prayer of thanksgiv- to partner and follow God’s word as a t

responsible steward of his creation. In on T im e s ADVO C Genesis 1:28 God admonishes us to “have The great outdoors is dominion or rule over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every a place where we can living thing that moves on earth.” As a THE WASHINGTON TIMES restore our lives, where hunter-conservationist I am following his Deuteronomy 8:2 says: “Remember Senses become more fully alive and A

we can grow and enjoy command, which is fulfilling to me. how the Lord your God led you all the focused, and suddenly it makes sense. C even more fully our Hunting so often simplifies life. It way in the wilderness these forty years, You are never closer to God himself Y DE P allows me to see more clearly the things to humble and test you in order to know than when you are in the very midst of relationship with him. God that count most in my life and leads me what was in your heart, whether or not that which his very hand created. Those AR reveals himself here in into another dimension of my relation- you would keep his commands.” remote places are truly remarkable, and TM EN T numerous ways, whether ship with our creator. In that verse God had an incredible for me, it’s there that I have the greatest

I see it mirrored in the mountains plan in store for his chosen people, one ability to tune in to what God is saying. | in tragedy or triumph. Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 and the desert. I see it shine and glow in including a magnificent outcome. Yet God never promised us that our jour- the stars, the moon and the changing of God first wanted to make sure they were ney would be easy, only that with him, it ing to God for the good fortune of being seasons. I feel the Lord’s hand as I wade up for the task and worthy of the reward. would be worth it in the end. alive, having just fought off hypother- an Arctic river, as I endure blowing snow Spending 40 years in the wilderness can mia two hours earlier, for guiding my or as I face the scorching wind of the build a lot of character. Similarly, spend- Rob Keck has been a driving force in con- footsteps safely through these deadly Sonoran Desert. ing 10 days on an extreme backpack hunt servation for more than three decades. boulder-strewn peaks, for the ram and I hear it in the gobble of the wild tur- in the Mackenzie Mountains builds a lot He is the director of conservation for Bass for so much more. I knew that this prayer key, the bugle of an elk or the eight notes of character as well. Pro Shops and serves as chairman of the would be one of not only thanks, but also of a barred owl. I smell it in the freshly The benefits of going to remote places board for America’s Wildlife and Mu- of a request — a request for his contin- fallen leaves in the October hardwoods is nothing short of amazing. Being able to seum and Aquarium. He served 27 years ued safe guidance since it would take or in the sweetly fragranced April honey- get away to a spot surrounded by God’s as the CEO of the National Wild Turkey three more days through rugged terrain suckle. I see God in all this and more, and handiwork, free from distraction, puts us Federation. Petersen’s Hunting magazine and swift waters, carrying heavy packs, he speaks to me in the wilderness, the in a place where one can truly focus on named him one of hunting’s 25 most influ- to reach a gravel bar along the Arctic Red outdoors. God and hear what he is saying. ential personalities of the 20th century. 41 Recommended reading for your spirit

By Byron and Beth Borger it does explore the psychiatric benefits of contemporary contemplatives into deeper a coherent understanding of the biblical spiritual waters, igniting an ever-growing These and other books can be or- teaching about shame, about how modern trend of fresh interest in classic spiritual dered from Byron & Beth Borger’s science and neurobiology explains what disciplines. Hearts & Minds Bookstore: happens (in the body itself) when people Many think this second of his many HeartsandMindsBooks.com/order/ are stuck by toxic emotion. With verve books is his best, offering 21 different ways (20 percent discount if you mention and plenty of real stories, Mr. Thompson to pray, from the most quiet and medita- The Washington Times). explains the ways in which spiritual ex- tive to the robust and lively, to ways of perience can help bring restoration and encountering God in the ordinariness of healing as people learn to “dare greatly,” the mundane. One of the more important taking risks of relational vulnerability. Mr. books on prayer written in the last 50 years. Thompson is a psychiatrist with interest in brain studies who integrates faith and scholarship in insightful ways. His earlier “Living Prayer,” Robert Benson book explored these themes: See the very (Tarcher), $14.95 — Mr. Benson has a readable “Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising remarkable way with words, a writing Connections Between Neuroscience and style that offers simple storytelling and a Spiritual Practices That Can Transform rare economy of language; he is a master Your Life and Relationships.” of clear and moving prose. “A Praying Life: Connecting with God In this tenderly told faith journey, in a Distracting World,” Paul E. Miller he writes of leaving his fundamentalist (NavPress), $14.99 — In our ecumeni- background, learning to experience God cal bookstore we have sold hundreds of through more ecumenical, liturgical prac- different books on prayer over the years. tices, attending his first silent retreat and This may be the most talked-about book entering the world of creative laypeople on the topic in years, in part because of its exploring contemplative spirituality. For profound sense of the goodness of God’s his experiment in taking up the practice great mercy shown in Christ, but also of “fixed hour” prayer, see his lovely “In “Kneeling with the Giants: Learning because the author is himself a learner, Constant Prayer,” part of the “Ancient to Pray with History’s Best Teachers,” sharing stories from his own struggle to Practices” series edited by the late Phyl- TM EN T

AR Gary Neal Hansen (InterVarsity Press), deepen his relationship with God. lis Tickle. $16 — Few who develop a meaningful and In this engaging work Mr. Miller offers

Y DE P mature life of prayer do so without learn- down-to-earth advice, telling humorous C

A ing from others. Who better to learn from anecdotes about his own daily life. En- than the giants of the Christian tradition, dorsements come from respected evan- those who have come before and have gelical leaders such as J.I. Packer and Philip written the most enduring, classic works Ryken, president of Wheaton College. about their spiritual practices? In this remarkable book Mr. Hansen C on T im e s ADVO offers a key insight about a particular way to pray, drawn from spiritual giants of the “Too Busy Not to Pray: Slowing Down

shi n gt past. As a good guide he reminds us that to Be with God,” Bill Hybels (InterVarsity the point is not just to learn about these Press), $16 — This very approachable, famous ascetics and their books but to nicely written and quite helpful primer actually pray and experience God as they has sold over 1 million copies. This book is did. Mr. Hansen, a Presbyterian seminary ideal for those who feel too stressed to pray professor, helps us by explaining, for in- regularly, or for those who need guidance T h e Wa ARED BY stance, St. Benedict’s insight on using the in the basics. It is simple, a joy to read and Divine Office, Luther’s teachings on the compelling in practical ways.

T P RE Lord’s Prayer, Calvin’s studious medita- Mr. Hybels is the pastor of the large

ON TIM E S tions on the Psalms, St. Teresa of Avila’s Willow Creek Church near Chicago, experiences of recollecting the presence known for its upbeat services designed of God or even learning how and why the with sensitivity for the unchurched, so “Thoughts in Solitude,” Thomas Mer- SHI N GT A CI A L RE P OR Puritans wrote out their prayers. he knows how to write for an audience ton (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), $14 From the ancient “Jesus Prayer” to that may not be familiar with theology or — Mr. Merton was one of the most well- A SP E TH E W

evaluations of Agnes Sanford’s “The Heal- religious terminology. known of 20th century Roman Catholic | ing Light,” this covers a very wide array spiritual writers. His memoir of leaving of material. There is an appendix on a promising literary career to become a using the book in small groups or church “Prayer: Does It Make Any Differ- “Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Trappist monk (“Seven Story Mountain”) classes as well as a final reminder called ence?” Philip Yancey (Zondervan) Home,” Richard Foster (HarperOne), was famously on The New York Times “Putting Prayer into Practice,” which is $16.99 — Mr. Yancey is respected as one $24.99 — Few authors have shaped the bestseller list in the 1950s. very thoughtful and highly recommended of the finest evangelical writers working late-20th century Protestant world’s under- His dense “New Seeds of Contempla- for those serious about deepening their today, a good journalist and author of standing of spirituality more than Richard tion” is considered a classic, but this little journey into prayer. many fine books exploring how people Foster, a lively Quaker who, in his legend- volume is one of his most beloved and find meaningful faith, searching for God ary “Celebration of Discipline,” reminded accessible works, a great introduction to in a complicated world. Here he asks a us that one of the great dangers of con- the prodigious writer. It reminds us of the “The Soul of Shame: Retelling the perennial question: Does prayer really temporary life is superficiality. “We need need for stillness and what happens to a

m ber 30 • 2015 • N ove Monday Stories We Believe About Ourselves,” matter? He then reports on his findings deep people,” Mr. Foster implored, as he society when a frenzied pace makes such Curt Thompson (InterVarsity Press) and invites us all to more fruitful prayer, guided readers unfamiliar with medieval solitude rare. 42 $22 — This is not a book on prayer, but knowing there is great mystery. mystics, Roman Catholic monastics and prayer in nature, culture and art Heaven’s geeks Christians from Google, Microsoft and other firms digitize prayer to bring people closer to God.

Then a group of us from Google, and to share the good news of God’s for a strong percentage of our users. A Tesla and other tech companies started plan with others. Jesus tells his follow- third of the people who listened to a wondering, “Could this approach work ers to find a person of peace who will two-minute audio prayer from Abide for spiritual problems? Did people welcome them, giving them food and a said they received divine guidance. have big spiritual challenges? Could place to sleep. Feeling inspired through There are two opposing ways to digital products help to solve them? prayer, I tried it. I hitchhiked into San interpret this kind of result: either these We started researching and running Francisco with no food or money. participants are misguided, or God gave surveys to uncover practical, spiritual Within a day, a gifted writer and musi- them guidance. solutions to problems.” Prayer was cian offered to let me stay in his home. There have been amazing, spiritual a big one. We found many power- He bought me food. He gave me a spot elements to our journey. A man known ful stories of deep, personal change to sleep. Surprisingly, he was someone for prophetic gifts — someone who through prayer. But for many others, who felt persecuted by Christians. He knew nothing about our project — prayer was hard. Even frustrating. They was gay, and ethnically Jewish. Twenty prayed over me in 2013. He specifically wanted help praying. It turns out that years later, we are still good friends. said that God wanted to use our team even Jesus’ disciples ran into this issue The passage held true for me, but in to create a prayer platform that would By Neil Ahlsten two thousand years ago, saying, “Lord, ways some people might not expect. help people experience God’s promises. Teach us to pray.” If you believe an idea is valuable, “I just keep hearing the word platform, rayer can lead to life- But, can digital products engage you try it. platform, platform,” he said. “I don’t changing outcomes. In us with an invisible God? After all, So, what works for prayer? We tested know what this means.” Every day, by

our studies at Abide, isn’t prayer a sacred exercise? Can liturgical prayers, free-form prayers, faith, our team is still learning what A SP E prayer has given people data-driven learning help solve sacred Psalms and reflective questions. We that means.

peace, guidance and problems? Some people find this idea created text, video, audio and multime- One finding is consistent. The CI A L RE P OR freedom from things like ridiculous. One Googler laughed in dia experiences and put them in front single, biggest driver of satisfaction worry and addiction. But disbelief. “You want to digitize prayer?” of sample users. One test gave extraor- in prayer is simple. It’s speaking with it turns out that four out of five church- My response: Let the data prove it out. dinary results. It looked like digital God. People who talk and listen to God Pgoing adults aren’t happy with their We started with a simple set of could help us encounter the divine. during their prayers on Abide are five T P RE prayer lives. They wonder, “What do I assumptions. The Bible is the most In one test, we recorded topical times more likely to be satisfied than

say to God? How can I hear God? How widely published, read and prayed audio prayers using scripture and people who did not. Our data suggests ARED BY The Wa can I feel close to God?” About 100 book in history. We assumed that the sent them through email to people that if you want a satisfying prayer life, million Americans want to grow in the Bible described effective ways to pray, who needed prayer on that topic. Ten start by having real conversations. life-changing power of prayer but don’t and we started testing them. We took minutes later, I got a reply from a vice Try a prayer yourself. You might find know how. traditions that have helped people find president at Dell. “Neil, this is the it life-changing. I used to work at Google and spent peace, purpose and strength for thou- best piece of digital content I’ve ever years tackling big, audacious problems. sands of years and tried adapting them received. You made my week!” Just Neil Ahlsten is co-founder and CEO of s h i ng Google’s basic formula is simple and ef- to modern life. minutes later, another from a startup Carpenters Code, which has built Abide, t

fective. Find really important problems. The concept of applying scripture to founder and ex-Googler: “This tingles a smartphone app for guided prayer. Be- on T im e s ADVO C Prototype smart solutions. Test until life questions has deep, personal roots of product-market fit.” We ran blind fore Google, Mr. Ahlsten worked for the you find something that real users find for me. When I was 20 and studying tests on hundreds of American Chris- U.S. Department of State in Darfur and far better than their current options. economics at the University of Califor- tians. Then thousands. Now over a mil- served in hot spots across Africa for Food Always let data prove what works. I saw nia at Berkeley, I encountered a Bible lion people have prayed through audio for the Hungry and the World Bank. THE WASHINGTON TIMES this formula succeed for search, maps, passage in Luke where Jesus told 70 of prayers on Abide. And the life-changing A

Android and more. his followers to take no money or stuff power of encountering God holds true C Y DE P AR

supplanted love as the cultural stan- This also reveals our true problem society see God — and this process TM EN T BRIGHT dard for moral outrage. “Don’t judge as a nation. The ACLU and Mikey must begin in the church. Anything

me” has replaced “Do unto others as Weinstein are not the problem. less means continuing to play whack-a- | From page C40 Monday • N ove m ber 30 • 2015 you would have them do unto you.” Planned Parenthood is not the prob- mole with the cultural symptoms. Fail- This phenomenon has hijacked lem. The church is the problem. We ing to address the core issue ultimately Santa Claus in the sky. They have many Christian pulpits as well. When have forgotten who God is — and it means conceding all other societal ills demoted the Creator from king to pastors expound, “It makes God happy shows. as well. God really is the issue. cheerleader. when you are happy,” we know the Jesus said we should love God The only question that remains is This dynamic propelled a tec- cancer has fully metastasized. When and love our neighbor, but He never whether or not we will make God the tonic shift away from embracing “our Christian organizations embrace self- tolerated self-indulgent behavior. He issue. God-given rights” and “our God-given indulgent behavior to achieve “unity,” recognized for what it was. Then He freedoms” to demanding “my rights” we know man has deposed God as the forgave it and empowered the person Brad Bright is the youngest son of and “my freedoms.” God became ir- ultimate arbiter of the good. Moralistic in front of him to change. As He said, Bill Bright, the founder of Campus relevant to the conversation, just as He therapeutic deism twists the starting “Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no Crusade for Christ. He is the author is in public education today. Narcis- point 180 degrees from God to Me. It more.” of “God is the Issue,” a book to help sism is now not only accepted, but also therefore follows that anything that Reshaping culture requires trans- Christians move from defense to of- embraced as a good. Tolerance has makes me happy must be good. forming the way the individuals within fense, co-opting any cultural symptom. 43 ESSENTIALS IN EDUCATION Resources for High School and College Students and for Concerned Citizens Across America

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