Public prayer in peril?

This past Thursday, the PMA (Perry Ministerial Association) met to discuss how we can best further the Kingdom of Christ by serving this city. As we do each month, a group of local pastors and church leaders gathered to pray and ask God to direct our hearts and minds in how to minister to the needs of our community. One of the items for discussion on our agenda was the upcoming National Day of Prayer. As many of you know, this event has been held in downtown Perry at the Old Courthouse for many, many years.

Just in case you’re curious, the roots behind this annual observance can be traced all the way back to General George Washington, then continued by Abraham Lincoln. The Spring-time scheduling of this event was established in 1952 by President Harry S. Truman. Now each year, by Congressional mandate the President of the United States is required, by law, to sign a proclamation encouraging all Americans to pray and beseech the Almighty Creator for His mercy and protection over our land. Though I write from a Christian perspective, the National Day of Prayer is observed by numerous religious faiths in our country. Historically, (and inarguably), Christianity has played an irreplaceable role in the formation of this great nation. Therefore, giving thanks and calling upon the One True God to continue to bless these United States, is a sacred duty suitable for every American. It was Ronald Reagan, who in 1988 signed into law Public Law the designation of the first Thursday in May as the annual observance for the National Day of Prayer.

Like other members of the PMA, when this subject was brought up at our meeting, I was both surprised and disappointed to hear there has been some pushback from the city of Perry as to whether our community can continue to observe this event as we have in years past. To be clear, the city hasn’t said no … yet. Let me say that again for the sake of clarity, the city of Perry has not denied the PMA’s request to organize the National Day of Prayer and use the courthouse lawn. The city has however, denied us access to the city stage and the city’s sound equipment.

Now, there may be some very good reasons for this. Perhaps the city is concerned about liability issues? Maybe the city feels like if they allow a Christian group use of the stage and equipment, then to be consistent, they also have to allow other groups this same access. This idea of – either we say no to all, or we say yes to all, may be their rationalization. I don’t know. But I do want to better understand it.

Whether we want to admit this or not, there is a growing level of disinterest in all things religious, and in particular all things Christian … not only in our society, but also in our community. Yes, right here in our small-town community. This increasing indifference to spiritual things is not only an issue with some in leadership, but also among the public in general. Whether it is Christmas at the Crossroads, Holy Week or the National Day of Prayer, the PMA efforts hosting these events, but each year we struggle to draw the same number of people we have in years past. So, don’t just blame the city if things aren’t going the way we think they should. We must also search our own hearts.

Having said that: this coming Tuesday, January 17th at 5:00 PM the Perry City Council is scheduled to meet. I am told, one of the first items on their agenda is to decide whether this event should be considered a city event or not. And as such, to what level the city should support the National Day of Prayer. If you have an opinion on this, I would encourage you first to pray, and ask God to give you a humble and grace-filled heart. Then attend this council meeting. I realize not everyone holds to the same religious beliefs and not all share the Christian faith, but I have to wonder … how is the city served by saying public prayer is not a local issue, but a national one?

Sure, we could have prayer anywhere. It doesn’t have to be on the courthouse lawn, we concede this. Nor do we need the city’s equipment in order to host this event. Numerous churches are more than willing to provide sound equipment. What the PMA would like is more than the city’s permission, we would like the city’s full support. After all, one of the main reasons we gather on the National Day of Prayer, is to pray for those in authority. Romans 13:1-7 commands all Christians to pray for civil authority to govern well, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.

On a personal level, I well remember when my family moved to Perry some 10 years ago. Coming from a much larger city, it amazed us that there were still towns that had (and allowed) public prayer on the courthouse lawn. However, as time has passed, I can’t help but wonder if the small-town-feel of Perry is going the way of Mayberry!? And will soon be a thing of the past?

Before I close, let me make something abundantly clear … Perry is blessed with some very qualified individuals who faithfully serve our city and care deeply about the rights and needs of every citizen. Some of them are devout Christians who love the Lord and approach these decisions with grave sincerity. Given all that is required of them, I don’t envy the duties of our city leaders. These councilmen and women are tasked with protecting our citizenry and keeping us all safe from countless unknown dangers. Further still, I imagine bringing new and thriving businesses to town, while striving to keep that hometown feel, is probably an impossible task. Therefore, they need our prayers.

In closing, we want to see the National Day of Prayer continue in Perry as it has in years past: for the glory of God and the spiritual good of this community.

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