Missouri Baptists, including Governor Blunt, participate in National Day of Prayer event
May 16, 2006
JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt said Americans must never remove God from civic culture and should guard against judicial activism while speaking May 4 at the National Day of Prayer at the Missouri State Capitol.
“I think we all value this day as an opportunity for fellowship with other believers, an opportunity to lift up our eyes and to give thanks that we live in the United States of America,” the governor said.
Blunt emphasized that he does not believe in the often misconstrued doctrine of “separation of church and state” that aims to force true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to not serve as a force for righteousness in public policy. Blunt has launched “Show-Me Solutions,” an initiative that recognizes the efforts of those who are reaching out to their neighbors in need through charitable organizations. Church members living out the love of the Master are at the heart of the governor’s vision for a better Missouri.
“The government of the United States, this state and others, should respect, rather than scorn, the values and principles of the people of America,” said Blunt, whose home church is Second Baptist, Springfield. “We should remind ourselves—and this is a great day for it—that to separate the church from the state does not mean that we remove God from our civic culture. It does not imply that we reject the values of western civilization and Christendom, and we should guard against the judicial activism that seeks to undermine that which was bequeathed to us by the founders of this nation.
“To pray, which we are doing today, is to lay America’s foundation for next week, next year and the next decade—well into the distant future. The prayers that occur across the United States today will have implications far beyond our brief lives on this planet. When you pray, you are laying a good foundation for your life, for your family, and for the future life of our country. Such is my firm belief and conviction.”
Kerry Messer, lobbyist for the Christian Life Commission of the Missouri Baptist Convention, noted how doctrinally based the governor’s words were.
“How proud can you be of your governor when he takes the time to acknowledge the Christian heritage of your nation and publicly states the false teachings on our Christian heritage need to be offset with truth?” Messer stated rhetorically. “There’s a foundation there that doesn’t exist in a lot of politicians, and I am proud that our governor has that foundation.”
Blunt stated his belief that God’s hand has been on our nation.
“I believe the role of Providence in American history is absolutely self-evident, that God guided the creation of our nation,” the governor said. “I believe this nation has no claim on God’s favor, but I also believe that the Almighty expects us to do what is good and right as a nation, and as individual men and women. We will prosper as a nation in the measure that we honor God, seek the right way ahead and live in accordance with His will.”
The governor was only one of several Missouri Baptists who participated in the National Day of Prayer event. Cole County Sheriff Greg White, a member of Southridge Baptist Church in Jefferson City, prayed for youth, families and public safety.
“In one accord, Father, we just ask, in Jesus’ name, that You guide and direct our families,” White prayed. “Guide and direct us as individuals, as parents, and in the way that we raise our youth.”
Reuben Phelps, Southridge music director, led a special community choir in song.
Other prayers were offered for our national government, state and local government, our military and their families, the community as a whole and for churches and faith groups.
“I would ask that you would pray for all of us in public office to more closely walk with God and live with increased righteousness, mercy and love for our fellow man,” Blunt said.