After Barack Obama stuck a written prayer in the Western Wall in Jerusalem, as is the custom, some college student swiped it and eventually gave it to a newspaper, which published it.
"Lord--Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will."
So many thoughts. First, was it appropriate to publish Obama's private prayer? One newspaper apparently had the prayer but refused to publish it. A Rabbi declared that this was a violation of Obama's personal relationship with God.
At the risk of further inappropriate scrutiny of Obama's soul, let's fisk the prayer:
"Lord--Protect my family and me."
Kirbyjon Caldwell -- Bush's pastor who is now a big Obama supporter -- said that when he asks Obama what people should pray for, he invariably says, "his family." This is not startling or uncommon. The Beliefnet-US News survey found that 57% said they prayed for family compard to 2.9% who prayed for strangers. Still, running for President poses a moral dilemma for anyone who cares about the family. Will the benefits of fame, influence and power be worth the potentail harm to someone being raised in the White House.
"Forgive me my sins"
For all the talk about the social justice emphasis of Obama's theology (fueled here), he consistently speaks in terms of personal sin (and salvation). Note he did not pray for world peace or an end to poverty. He prayed for personal redemption.
"Help me guard against pride and despair"
One can't help but wonder whether these are the challenges he is facing most these days.
"Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will."
Liberals used to whack Bush for making comments like this. Will liberals complain when Obama asks for this? If a candidate believes in God, isn't this what you would want them to be praying for?
What did you think of the prayer?
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Prayer is what everyone of us does, in moments of need. All religions even the so called ethiests. So Obama not being appologetic about his faith says alot and myself being a believer in God who answers prayer. Obama is now the President of US and all we can do is wait to see righteous, justice and God's will prevail.
Obama could turn out to join the best thing that have happened to the world Ofcourse after Christ Jesus, then later then the likes of Mandela.
Obama, God bless you.
Waverly Jones, as he wrote above, is grateful that Obama is not of the the Black American tradition. What is wrong with being of the Black American tradition? What is wrong with being Black? It is almost always a sin to be of a certain color in America, especially Black.
Obama prayed a prayer like every Christian would pray. He is humbly asking God to search his heart. What is wrong with that? Just because he prayed for these specific things does not make him a wrong person, No one on earth is perfect. At least we have a president who is seeking God for guidance.
Now it is time for every Christians regardless of ethnic background or party affiliation to pray for Obama. God loves Obama just as He loves any of us. Let us stop with this divisive spirit that is of the enemy, Satan who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.
I pray for Obama.
I like this prayer. It could be prayed by anyone, on any day, for as long as anyone lives.
Obama is a humble man and submissuve man and also pray for God's protection of his life and his family.
Obama More Grease To Your Elbow!
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