God's Politics - Jim Wallis blog, faith blog, religion, christian, christianity, politics, values

I'm volunteering for a presidential candidate, mostly making phone calls to people in various states at volunteer headquarters. It is encouraging to work with people of all ages, walks of life, and races - people who, like me, were sideliners who are now enthusiastically involved with a sense of possibilities, believing that our efforts make a difference and things can change. My afternoon phone calls primarily reach elderly or others who are homebound. What a slice of the U.S.: "Organ" recitals (my kidneys, etc.), mad, lonely, sad, and hopeful. One sometimes gets the phone slammed down, or comments unbefitting of a U.S. citizen - "I'll never vote for a black or a woman" - but mostly people are pondering, reflecting on what's important to them and wanting better things for themselves and the country. There's the longing for peace and fairness. A recent Sunday's Psalm reading reflects the prayers of all of us for good leadership. Psalm 72 (I am using "president" in place of "king"):

Please help the president be honest and fair, just like you, our God. Let the president be honest and fair with all your people, especially the poor. Let peace and justice rule every mountain and hill. Let the president defend the poor, rescue the homeless, and crush everyone who hurts them. ... Let the president be fair with everyone, and let there be peace until the moon falls from the sky.

Through this daunting election year, may we be praying for leadership that reflects the Psalmist's hope for peace, fairness, and honesty - especially for the poor.

Mary Nelson is president emeritus of Bethel New Life, a faith-based community development corporation on the west side of Chicago. She is also a board member of Sojourners.

Comments

Excellent Mary . Pray also our President to be wise and able to hear wisdom .

Hope you don't get beat up from the trolls who believe praying for our country or President without praying for others is shallow .

Posted by: Mick | January 7, 2008 4:24 PM

A lovely piece Mary. Thank you.

Posted by: carl copas | January 7, 2008 4:57 PM

My NIV Bible is a bit imperialistic in Psalm 72. It says that the "president" will crush the oppressor and will rule from sea to sea to the ends of the earth. Which version is the above quote taken from?

Posted by: Cads | January 7, 2008 9:42 PM

Mick,

You're making me laugh (friendly laugh, not a hostile laugh). Ms. Nelson didn't say she didn't pray for others as well. Today, she just happened to be praying for our next President.

Posted by: Amazon Creek | January 8, 2008 2:18 AM

Instead of working for an establishment candidate, perhaps as a Christian you might consider working for social change. Read Brian McLaren's latest book, Everything Must Change. The status quo is not OK. We need major change, not some feel good image of a candidate.

Sojourners seems increasingly to be becoming an organization dedicated to co-opting Christians who see a need for change into the establishment. I am very sorry for this direction. I wish Sojourners would go back to being a prophetic voice for change as it once was.

Posted by: Bill Samuel | January 8, 2008 7:39 AM

'Hope you don't get beat up from the trolls who believe praying for our country or President without praying for others is shallow.'

She won't - she is apart of the inner circle of Sojo - so she is automatically given a 'bye'. I know that she prays for other things. If she is specific - then she is an idolator just like some of us have been accused of being. I would just add to the prayer that the Pres. be moral publically and privately and that the Pres. would be faithful to their spouse showing their ability to be faithful.

Blessings -
.

Posted by: Moderatelad | January 8, 2008 8:40 AM

Boy. . . .all this talk about "the voices of change" can be unnerving, unless someone, pretty soon, comes up with exactly what they want to change from, and what they want to change to! The argument right now seems to be who wants 'change' the most, but there are precious few examples being given of specific changes to be made.

One thing about prophets and the "prophetic voice of change." It generally named the king who was good, and it named the king who was bad. . . and it spoke of what ought to happen to both of them!

Posted by: joekc | January 8, 2008 10:43 AM

Mick, Moderatelad,
I realize you were offended by some who characterized your prayers as idolatrous. It is time, however, for you to unconditionally forgive those who offended you. You are Christians. Now do as Christians are called to do and forgive.

Posted by: squeaky | January 8, 2008 12:03 PM

Well said...

What would you say to those who have continued to access our character as such? It has happened more than once on this site by more than one person. I personally have prayed that God will soften their heart(s) and know that all of us can pray to the Almighty for anything we believe He can provide or grant. I also know that He gives to His children what they need and in His good time.

Thanks my friend!

Posted by: Moderatelad | January 8, 2008 12:22 PM

"It has happened more than once on this site by more than one person. "

I realize that--and you are not alone in being attacked. But keeping score and holding on to offense is not the appropriate Christian response. We all need short memories when it comes to offenses committed against us. Best to strive for the high road rather than meeting the offendors at their level. And, unfortunately, even on a Christian site, we need the same thick skin as required in Non-Christian blogging.

Cheers and blessings

Posted by: squeaky | January 8, 2008 12:35 PM

'Cheers and blessings'

OK - for you I will drop the "I" word and go on.

Blessings on you and yours this new year -
.

Posted by: Moderatelad | January 8, 2008 12:39 PM

Why do it for me? Do it for you--do it because it helps you become more Christlike.

Posted by: squeaky | January 8, 2008 3:06 PM

"all this talk about "the voices of change" can be unnerving, unless someone, pretty soon, comes up with exactly what they want to change from, and what they want to change to!" joekc

Call me jaded. I'm not holding out a lot of hope for change.

I know exactly the change I want to see, but as far as I can tell, it's the turd in the punchbowl that no one seems willing to talk about.

Posted by: neuro_nurse | January 8, 2008 8:45 PM

Not sure that leaving the 'i' word out is going to make that big of a difference.

In my devotions - my desire is to be more like Him.

Blessings on you - not sure that I am going to hang around here. (not sure that I am going to leave either because then I would miss reading your posts)
.

Posted by: moderatelad | January 8, 2008 11:28 PM

A Pre-Election Prayer for Our Next President (by Mary Nelson)

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