Praying for our elected officials is nothing new to Missouri Southern Baptists. We are known as “People of the Book,” but we are also “People of Prayer” – even when it comes to politics. Praying for our nation, state and communities is part of our spiritual DNA. Southern Baptists understand that God created government for our own good and that we are to submit to its authority. The Bible is filled with examples of God’s people petitioning Him – in prayer – for righteous leaders and laws in accordance with His Word.
Scripture is at the root of Southern Baptists’ motivation for involvement in the public policy arena. As Americans, we have the freedom to express our opinions and live out our faith. We are derelict in our duty as Christian citizens if we do not faithfully ask God for righteous leaders and laws.
Many Missouri Southern Baptists and other Christians have intensified their prayer efforts to that end in recent years, and while no revival appears imminent, evidence suggests prayer is having an impact. There are no wild-eyed Bible thumpers running up and down the hallways of the State Capitol screaming at people about their sin. Rather this movement is characterized by humility and acts of kindness. It is driven by love and a desire for righteousness.
Seven years ago I encouraged our Convention to hold an annual prayer service for our state lawmakers. I truly believe in each service the Lord has been glorified, love and respect for our lawmakers has been expressed and prayers were offered in their behalf. It marked a departure from the past when $100 handshakes were the extent of MBC involvement at the State Capitol. Prayer and acts of kindness are attempting to replace the crass incivility that often plagues American politics.
If you recall, the MBC bought tickets for every Missouri General Assembly member to see “The Passion of the Christ” when it was first released. Every year Kerry Messer, the MBC’s legislative liaison, and the Christian Life Commission provide Bibles to new General Assembly members. It is not unusual for lawmakers to phone Kerry, not just to talk about a bill, but to ask Him to pray for them. Kerry is known as one of the best so-called “lobbyists” at the State Capitol, not solely because of his skill, though he is quite skillful. He is one of the best because he walks daily with God – and everybody knows it.
The Pathway is on the newsstand at the State Capitol – and it is read. My columns and other Pathway stories by staff have appeared on the influential johncombest.com, a daily political website read by politicians and their staffs throughout Missouri. Such exposure helps lawmakers understand the importance of a Christian worldview.
Recently, leaders in the Missouri House requested a meeting with MBC leaders. That extraordinary meeting took place Feb. 17. I have been asked – along with some secular newspaper editors – to attend a similar meeting with House leaders in the near future. Such meetings are not the first MBC leaders have had with government leaders and they will not be the last. In these meetings prayers are offered and officials are urged to pass laws that do not transgress God‘s Word.
Is all this a coincidence? I do not think so. I believe it is God answering our prayers as we obey Him by being “salt and light.”
Other Missouri Christians have been led to pray for our lawmakers. National Day of Prayer services are regularly held in the Rotunda of the State Capitol each May. Attendance by lawmakers in a weekly Bible study has grown significantly in the past year. It is due, in part, to the increasing number of Christians being elected.
Their impact is being felt.
• Laws have been passed restricting abortions. Only one abortion clinic remains open in Missouri.
• Last year lawmakers asked Christian leaders to pray for them as they struggled to balance the state’s budget. The prayers were offered and the budget was balanced in an expeditious manner.
• A Southern Baptist deacon, Sen. Rob Mayer, was elected the highest ranking member of the Senate – after lots were drawn to break a tie with another candidate.
• Many other righteous laws have been passed and more are coming.
Such is the power of prayer.
DON HINKLE / editor