Prayer is Prayer.......My Thoughts on THE RESPONSE- Day of Prayer

I have been reading an awful lot lately about Gov. Rick Perry and his call for a Day of Prayer and Fasting set for August 6, 2011. Some Christians I know are in an uproar about the lawsuit filed against Perry for organizing such an event. They believe it is an attack on prayer fueled by our “Muslim” president who wants to do away with our Judeo-Christian values. I decided to do a little research and came to a few conclusions of my own. I know I am going to catch some heat over writing this, but I am doing it anyway.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation argues in its lawsuit filed in Houston that Republican Gov. Rick Perry's day of prayer and fasting would violate the constitutional ban on the government endorsing a religion. The event, which is called The Response and is billed as Christian-only, is scheduled for Aug. 6 at Houston's Reliant Stadium. The complaint alleges Perry violated the First Amendment's establishment clause by organizing, promoting and participating in the event.

No one has a problem with prayer. The issue is with Perry using his office to promote, recognize and endorse something that is specific to only one religion. It obviously does not include members of different faiths. They can attend, if they wish, but they must follow the rules: Bring a bible and pray to Jesus. Take a look at those endorsing and sponsoring this event. Look it up for yourself at:
The Response Leadership

If you are openly gay, support Marriage Equality or believe in a woman’s right to choose, forget it. You will not feel welcomed there. Not to mention, you are REQUIRED to register for this event, if you plan to attend or want to endorse it in your church. It's free, but you must sign up. Registering to gather in prayer. Hmmm..... If you cannot attend, they will send you a 7 day prayer guide in preparation for the big day.

Perry states that our nation's only hope for the future lies in belief in Christ. Does this mean those who don’t believe in Christ are the problem and they need to get on board in order to heal our nation? Isn’t that kind of forcing ONE RELIGION and ONE BELIEF on everyone? I thought we had a freedom of religion in this country: the freedom to practice any religion. Or no religion at all, if we so choose.

We have a National Day of Prayer every May, which encompasses ALL faiths. Contrary to popular belief and rumor, President Obama did not cancel it nor did he ever have any intention of canceling or permanently eliminating this appointed, annual day of prayer.  Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, and any other person  hopefully sets aside time to pray, reflect or meditate on this day. Our country does need help. Everyone I know needs help. Life is tough! No question about it. Let me ask you this: because we don’t do it the Rick Perry way, does that mean THOSE prayers are not heard?

I have no issue with gathering together in prayer. I believe in prayer. I pray every day. I believe we should never stop praying. I believe in God and Jesus Christ. I think an organized day of prayer such as The Response, where all are urged to fall to their knees for our nation and pray to Christ, is a slap in the face to others. They are basically being told by a government leader:  if you don’t believe or pray this way, your prayers don’t count.
 
I believe prayer is prayer: a simple, humble, cry of the heart for assistance, interception or understanding from something greater and stronger than what we see, feel, touch, or hear. I personally pray to God- a loving, forgiving, understanding father-figure. I have always believed this way and that will never change. But..... shame on me if I ever discredit, discount, or dismiss the cries of others simply because they do not pray the same way I do.
 
Here are some of my sources:
Rick Perry Day of Prayer- Huffington Post
 
Is Rick Perry Trying to Bring Other States to Their Knees- The Statesman
 
President Obama Cancels National Day of Prayer
 
And this is my Daily Cyn.......