1 Boring Old Man

If you live in the country like we do, any kind of meeting you go to at all is held in some church, because that’s the only places there are for meetings. Tonight I was in a small independent evangelical church in a remodelled house. On the way to the room for the meeting, I saw a sign like the one above. There was one of them on the meeting room bulletin board too. So when I got home, I googled "pray the vote" and there it was:

But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain…
–Exodus 18:21

^{In this election year, The Presidential Prayer Team is encouraging prayer for the elections through  Pray the Vote—our initiative to help you prepare to exercise one of the most cherished privileges of citizenship—the right to vote, and to vote your values.  When you enroll to participate in Pray the Vote, you will have access to Scripture-based prayers, resources to help you prepare for the elections, and a host of tools to educate and involve your friends and family in electing people who will uphold and protect our national culture.}

I’ve copied a large piece here [because I’m just flabergasted that such a thing exists. This is how he’s done it! My heart sort of sunk when I read all of this. I mean this is tiny church on a lonely road in a small rural county:

PRESIDENTIAL PRAYER
REQUESTS FOR
OCTOBER 26, 2006

 

President Bush stopped by a pumpkin stand during a visit to Richmond, VA last week and joked that he was choosing a pumpkin for First Lady Laura Bush. Pray for safety and protection for the President as he continues to travel the country in support of various candidates. Photo courtesy of the White House.

Pray for President Bush as he continues to lead our nation’s efforts in the war in Iraq, asking God to guide him with His wisdom. Pray for the President as he consults with commanders on the ground to develop the most effective strategies for success in Iraq.

Pray for President Bush as on October 27 he welcomes to the White House NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in preparation for the NATO Summit in Riga, Latvia next month to strengthen and transform the Alliance to meet the key security challenges of the 21st century. The President and the Secretary General will also discuss the wide range of issues on NATO’s agenda, including Alliance efforts to promote democracy and freedom in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Balkans, and Darfur.

As the U.N. is still in a voting deadlock regarding an open seat on the Security Council and Venezuela has hinted at backing down from their bid for the seat to make way for another South American nation, pray for God’s will to be done in the selection of a representative nation.

As the New Jersey Supreme Court has opened the door for some form of legalized partnership for homosexuals, pray for God’s grace and for the protection of the sacred institution of marriage in our society.

Give thanks for the success of diplomatic efforts by Secretary of State Rice and others in working to influence North Korea to back away from further nuclear testing. Pray that this nation will return to six party talks, further defusing this potentially dangerous situation.

As new remains have been found at Ground Zero in New York City, pray for the NY Medical Examiner and others involved in the identification of these remains, and for the families who still seek the opportunity to bury their loved ones. Pray for God’s comfort and peace for those who still mourn as this discovery re-opens old wounds, and pray for continued healing for loved ones.

With less than two weeks remaining until the elections on November 7, pray for those who love and honor God to get informed, to pray and to vote, electing godly leaders who will honor the Lord and will seek to do His will.

As adoption is in the news, pray for all the children in our nation who await adoption or foster care, asking God to touch hearts and open homes to children desperately needing parental support and care.

Pray for Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt and his team as they prepare for another flu season, giving thanks that last season’s outbreaks were manageable and praying that vaccine research and distribution will work together to keep Americans and all people of the world safe from a deadly outbreak.

Give thanks for the dedicated service of White House Usher Gary Walters who steps down after more than three decades and seven First Families, starting with President Reagan. Pray for a rewarding retirement filled with meaningful experiences and good health.

Pray for the American soldier who is still missing and presumed kidnapped in Baghdad after leaving a secured area to visit with members of his family, asking God to keep him safe and to help those who are trying to locate him.

As Gen. Peter Pace has called Americans to view the city of Baghdad as the “center of gravity in Iraq,” and the will of the American people as the “center of gravity” for America’s enemies (“center of gravity” being the thing that keeps a force from accomplishing its objectives), pray that Americans will see the importance of their role in success over America’s enemies, and pray for the strengthening and enablement of all our troops, that they will be protected and blessed with success in their efforts.  Pray for protection against the newest deadly threat of Iraqi snipers who strike in public places without warning. 

Pray for the Iraqi government to be strengthened in their ability to secure their country and put down insurgency.