Our esteemed and honored 1st VP suggested something on Facebook, and in the space of about 3 minutes, we have the core of a plan. However, its an idea that would require some pre-planning and organization, so I thought I’d float it and see what the folks at Voices thought of the idea.
The SBC is in Baltimore next year. Baltimore is near Washington DC. I’m guessing most of you are aware that Washington DC is where the President and Congress work? I went over that for the sake of our SEC fans.
Anyway, we were thinking of gathering in Washington DC, perhaps on Saturday before the Convention, to have a time a prayer for our nation’s leaders. As one man pointed out, we can pray effectively from anywhere, but the idea of having a prayer time in the Capitol sounds pretty appealing to me.
So, I’m just wondering how many would try to make this a priority, and come a day early to DC to pray? My guess is that a few of you might be planning a little DC pitstop anyway.
There are arrangements that would have to be made. Permits. Etc.
So, I guess I’m just putting it out there. What do you think?
I’m all for it. I was actually interacting with the idea on twitter.
My only suggestion is that there be a strong element of repentance involved, both encouraged beforehand and as part of the event. My greatest burden, especially as I minister here in the Bible Belt where cultural Christianity saturates the culture, is that believers are way too focused on the problems “our there.” While we want to pray for our nation and her leaders, there must be a brokenness and a humility that recognizes our sin… and that as part of our nation, our nation’s sins are our sins. Daniel models that well for us. Judgment begins with the household of God.
I literally would like to high five you right now after reading that post Pastor Bill. 😉
Appreciate the affirmation, but even more, the likemindedness. I even thought about drafting a resolution encouraging a spirit of repentance. After hearing some of the themes in my mind echoed from various corners of Houston, I may get some feedback and work on it for next year.
Bill had a good idea about taking time at the beginning to pray prayers of repentance. Also, I want to clarify, I’m not up for anything that amounts to pointing out other people’s problems “out there.” The objective here would NOT be to push policy objectives or anything else: We have an ERLC to advocate for us in the political sphere, and they do not need our help.
Rather, the SUM-TOTAL of the event would be for us to pray FOR the leadership of our country. After all, we are required by scripture to do so.
My primary motivation is simply this: Next summer, if the Lord is willing, I plan to introduce my children to Washington, DC, for the very first time. As an act of fatherly discipleship for my children, I want them to remember about that experience that we prayed for the leaders in those edifices that they saw.
Thanks for suggesting this Bart. And I did not think you were envisioning a “the problem is out there” kind of deal. It would be something that we would would want to guard against, especially in my own heart.
Amen.
Do it!
Works for me. Then you could all come up to the Rainey home for some BBQ. 🙂
Great idea.
This is not a part of the world that knows what BBQ is.
Other than that, I’d love to see you there, Joel.
Be careful, Bart. Those outside of the great republic of Texas don’t understand how bad they have it, and all they are missing. As a general rule, the most loving thing to do is not to tell them – it would unnecessarily grieve them.
Forgive me Dr. Barber, for this cultural faux pas. I was just in Dallas for a few hours last week enjoying the Republic’s staple food, and forgot that our newly minted 1st VP was from there and that I was offering what for you is the culinary equivalent of pottage.
Crab meat on the other hand……..We can impress you with that I Believe. I look forward to seeing you.
Joel,
I prefer Barbeque at your place, after reading your fascinating & true quote-as reported by Dave Miller-on cessationism. Miller quoted you saying something to the effect that, there is more support in the Scripture for having a concubine than for cessationism. I certainly don’t support having a concubine-neither do you–; but anyone who could coin a quote like that, surely could produce a great Barbeque.????
Dwight, I’d love to see you again brother! Let’s make it happen as we get closer to next June.
If I can make it I’ll bring my own brisket. Maybe I’ll share.
Two other things to keep in mind. Call your Senators or Congressional representatives at their local offices and tell them you will be in Washington and would like the chance to meet with them in person, spend a few minutes talking about why you are here, and offer to pray for them. You’d be surprised how well received these invitations are across the political spectrum. They are so accustomed to people yelling at them–and about them–that a meeting like this with no agenda (including one of “praying for them to change their position on……….) is a huge blessing to them.
Also, your Senator’s office can set you up in advance for a guided tour of the White House if you are interested.
Or, Joel can take you on the “death march” tour to all the major monuments in 4 hours. You will see them all. You will hop metro trains like a pro. You will beg for mercy. Your legs will fall off. Our extended family NEVER asks me to take them down there anymore! 🙂 But if you are up for it, we can do it!
We SEC fans are aware that our President and Congress are broken and have not worked in Washington DC for some years now….
I’m all in for the prayer gathering. Superb idea.
Dave,
This sounds quite interesting. As details develop, it is certainly a matter that I would strongly consider. Southern Bsptists in DC praying for our nation sounds right & feels right. I sure hope it occurs whether I make it or not.
As one who lives in Baltimore and wants to attend the convention next year (our Congregation sent no messengers to the convention this year…we’re 20-30 strong without a Pastor), I’m all for this.
I think it could be great to reach out to the local associations to help out with this, if this becomes a reality. I’m sure many involved with the Baltimore, Montgomery, PG County, Arundel Baptist Associations would be delighted to be able to assist in coordinating an event like this. Then again, I’m in no position to talk on behalf of anyone…so, perhaps they’ll dislike the idea altogether.
On October 4, 1997, I attended the Promise Keepers’ “Stand in the Gap: A Sacred Assembly of Men” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. An estimated one million men participated in “Stand in the Gap”, a day of personal repentance and prayer. The event gathered men from every race, nationality, and most Christian denominations as well as from many countries around the world. The program was six hours of standing and kneeling in prayer, worship, confession, repentance, and declarations. I found a small corner of real estate at the base of the Washington monument to bend a knee in that mass of humanity.
What a sight it would be for 1 million Southern Baptists to “storm” the Hill! But a few dedicated to the task should work! Great idea Bart and Dave. May God bless your efforts!
I was there too, Max. It was a great day.
Great idea
Great idea! Just a reminder–SECers know Washington DC well since we have a team visit there as the national champions each year.
Maybe CB can ask Coach Saban where a good gathering spot would be–he’s been there several times on behalf of the SEC.
Great idea! Please take time to check about required permits for any public events. I was once gently reminded by a very respectful DC Police Officer that kneeling to pray at the Supreme Court is an, “act of protest” and requires a permit. May God bless this effort!
I would try to make it, if yall actually do this.
David
I think it would be odd if anyone was NOT in favor of this – I think the challenge will simply be the coordination.
One suggestion though – as I’ve been to several “prayer” meetings that left me discouraged. Provide a time for people to gather in groups and pray (out loud if they wish). I’ve seen too many things like this done where a bunch of people show up but then you get a speech and a prayer from just one or two big-wigs. If we’re going to bother doing this then make sure “corporate” prayer is the priority.
That’s my 1.9999 cents anyway.
There ya go again….making me want to high five you and all. 😉
LOL…the last dude in this thread I referenced wanting to high five was Pastor Bill, Not Bob B.
Anyway, I’m sure you get the point.
So what gives??? Do the rest of us not get a high-five too??? 😀
Yea, you get one too!
In fact everyone on this comment thread gets one.
I am planning on attending the convention in Baltimore and given the direction of the prayer time reflected in the post/thread, I would love to participate.