- Jan 11, 2012 ... Here's a prayer that we all could turn to for perpetual succor. - "The Lord's Prayer" is a musical setting of the Lord's Prayer written by Albert Hay ...
Monday, February 27, 2017
The Best Rendition of the Lord's Prayer
Today in History
Today in History
1922
Supreme Court Defends Women’s Voting Rights
In Washington, D.C., the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, providing for female suffrage, was unanimously declared constitutional by the eight members of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The 19th Amendment, which stated that “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex,” was the product of over seven decades of meetings, petitions, and protests by women suffragists and their supporters.
In 1916, the Democratic and Republican parties endorsed female enfranchisement, and on June 4, 1919, the 19th Amendment was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. On August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, achieving the required three-fourths majority of state ratification, and on August 26 the 19th Amendment officially took effect.
Melania's Prayer
Melania's Prayer
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
So goes the first part of the most well-known prayer in the world, the Lord's Prayer, given to us 2,000 years ago by Jesus Himself. Who would ever think this beloved prayer—said by billions of people, for thousands of years—would be considered controversial?
But apparently, it is. Especially when prayed by the first lady of the United States at an event organized by and for her husband, President Donald Trump.
At the Melbourne, Florida, rally on Saturday (Feb. 18), Melania Trump walked up to the presidential podium, thanked the crowd and, with her husband by her side, said something I can't remember any first lady or president doing in recent memory. She said simply, "Let us pray," and then read the Lord's Prayer in its entirety.
At first, the crowd didn't seem to know what was happening, but then it quieted down. Many closed their eyes and joined her in praying. When she was done, the crowd erupted in spontaneous applause.
Yet so many have now chosen to criticize and politicize it.
When I posted a link to the video of the prayer on my Facebook page, more than 750,000 people viewed it, and thousands left comments. As usual, many comments were positive; however, others were negative and some were outright hostile:
"How come she had to read it? .... Hmmm"
"I saw it, WHAT A MOCKERY. The Lord's prayer is not a tool to be used for political gain"
"Fake! Very sad how they use God. Brainwashing people to the fullest."
Don't you think it's time to hit the pause button, folks? There are moments that call on us to put politics aside.
Our first lady, shouldering the new weight of her title and position, took a courageous stand and led 9,000 people in a prayer for God's help and assistance in our nation. I thought it was beautiful, and I would say the same if it had been first lady Laura Bush or first lady Michelle Obama standing at that podium.
I recently had the privilege of praying for our military and first responders at the Washington National Cathedral the day after the inauguration.
Also during that service, the first lady was similarly moved by our shared Christian faith when a young lady named Marlana VanHoose sang the hymn "How Great Thou Art." VanHoose, who is blind and has cerebral palsy, delivered the most unforgettable moment of the service.
She sang the words powerfully and with great conviction. She could not see us, but we will never forget seeing her that morning, proclaiming, "Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee/How great Thou art, how great Thou art."
VanHoose's song was met with tears from the first lady, who rose to her feet, first among a crowd of hundreds. The standing ovation that followed will be cemented in the memory of many who attended that service.
Our nation's pundits ought to have more grace, and if they refuse to treat the first lady's office with common decency, then they ought to at least honor the prayer she prayed.
Although there are thousands of other examples, I especially remember how that same prayer brought strength and courage to a particular American hero, Todd Beamer.
His courage on Sept. 11, 2001, will go down in the annals of history. A recording recovered after United Airlines 93 crashed in a Pennsylvania field captured his praying the Lord's Prayer just before storming the cockpit, overcoming the terrorists and saving countless other lives in the process.
This is what I thought of when I heard the first lady boldly pray again the powerful words of Jesus.
Prayer Initiative
Prayer Initiative
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting... James 1:5-6
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I am the Lord that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26
Thank You, Father, for all You have given us through the gifts and talents, compassion, intelligence and creativity of our health care professionals in America. Thank You for what has always been the finest health care system in the world.
As our ultimate Healer and Lord, give us Your heart to care for the sick, the disabled, the handicapped and the elderly in ways that honor You and our fellow man. Guide us, Lord, to Your model for health care and healing in our country.
Father, we are in desperate need for Your guidance in how best to serve our fellow human beings who are in need of health care. Please lead those who are working to bring that about. Guide and guard them from short-sightedness, manipulation, greed, self interest, political agendas and corruption.
God Almighty, we ask You to help us sort out truth from deception, right from wrong, and good from evil. Give us Your wisdom, and the courage to stand for what is true, right, honorable and good for those who need health care and those who provide it.
Sovereign God, we pray for the power of Your healing and restoration in the life of every person affected by natural disasters and war.
~~~
“The general prevalence of the blessings of health through our wide land has made more conspicuous the sufferings and sorrows which the dark shadow of pestilence has cast upon a portion of our people. This heavy affliction even the Divine Ruler has tempered to the suffering communities in the universal sympathy and succor which have flowed to their relief, and the whole nation may rejoice in the unity of spirit in our people by which they cheerfully share one another's burdens.” President Rutherford B. Hayes
Love One Another...
Fulfilling CHRIST'S admonition to, "Love one another as I have loved you."
Food,
clothing and a place to shower. This app helps get those who are
homeless the basics they lack and the support they need to get off the
streets.
Truth and Love
In the final analysis, truth and love are the flip sides of the same coin.
To have one, you must also hold the other...if one is discarded, both will be gone.
Believers owe truth and love to everyone whose life touches theirs, for it is the TRUTH that sets men free and it is LOVE that never fails.
Both of these glorious virtues have their origin in the GOD who is the
way, the TRUTH and the life, and who says of HIMSELF that HE is LOVE.
A Glimpse
Here is a glimpse of an underwater world most of us will never see...
Meet the deepest place on earth and some of its inhabitants, the Mariana Trench.
Thanks to all its researchers.
Thanks to all its researchers.
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