Christians Encouraged to Pray for the New President
A special message from BCN's Founding Editor, Steve Shultz:
Christians, as usual, are encouraged to pray for the newly elected president of our nation, Barack Obama. Perhaps the Apostle Paul said it best as he gave instruction to young Timothy?and to us?in the 2nd chapter of 1Timothy:
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all..."
Tonight's election made history, and in his very gracious concession speech, Sen. John McCain highlighted this aspect, and called for Americans to appreciate their country where significant healing between races has taken place over the years.
"This is an historic election," said McCain, "and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight. I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that, too.
"But we both recognize that, though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation's reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still had the power to wound...
"America today is a world away from the cruel and frightful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States.
"Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth."
To that I would add, let us pray for this country. For God's mercy, and His direction and wisdom for President-elect Obama, and our congress to tackle the difficult tasks that lie ahead.
