A pastor’s prayer before the Legislature this week asking God’s forgiveness for abortion and beseeching lawmakers to “have courage to rescue those being led away to death” has revived questions about the appropriateness of the daily prayers.
The prayer given by Mike Demastus of the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ also asked lawmakers to honor the institution of marriage.
His words have prompted some lawmakers and proponents of separating religion and government to call on legislative leaders to better enforce prayer standards that call for speakers to refrain from religious and political ideology in their remarks. One legislator wants to forgo the prayers and conduct a moment of silence instead.
The sad part is that a minister feels the need to mention such items to God in a prayer…..
When has it ever been the case that a pastor has not had to mention such items to God in prayer?