In 1863 a divided nation accepted President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "fasting and prayer." The issues that divide our country today are many. Do you pray for heaven's assistance to our nation? Do you want a president who does? I do. The Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in Marsh vs. Chambers (1983) .
Religion has played an interesting roll during this election year so far. & From Mormon Mitt and Holy Huckabee to whether or not Obama is a Muslim and if he truly believes Reverend Wright is wrong, Americans seem concerned with where our future leader stands spiritually. According to a Gallup poll last month, 56 percent of Americans consider religion to be very important in their lives and six out of 10 Americans believe religion can answer all or most of today's problems.
Beliefnet.com has an entertaining and enlightening "God-o-Meter" where you can see how the presidential candidates rank on their religiosity or perceived spirituality. Do I have to agree with a candidate's religion? Of course, not. But I'd much rather have a president who prays to God than one who thinks he is God.
In Mitt Romney's Kennedy-esque speech on religion in politics , he stated "No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith. For if he becomes president he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths."
I really like www.presidentialprayerteam.org where a free membership provides you with a weekly email about what important meetings and decisions our country's leaders are facing so that you could include them when you pray to God, whatever you see him (or her) to be.
If a candidate doesn't live his stated religion, then perhaps it doesn't matter what religion he claims. Maybe that's all the more reason to pray.
