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WORD ON WASHINGTON
“The True Source of Power”
December 2011 |
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Over 200 years ago, when the first Continental Congress met amidst escalating tensions with the British, they turned to God for wisdom to help chart a course for the future of our great nation. Even in its infancy, prayer was shaping our nation’s history, and that tradition of prayer continues today with both chambers of the U.S. Congress opening each day with prayer. Prayer is deeply rooted in the traditions of our society and rooted in the very fabric of American history.
As Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, Congressman Randy Forbes and I are working to protect and preserve the Constitutional right that all citizens are afforded under the First Amendment. The Congressional Prayer Caucus was established to acknowledge formally the pivotal and powerful role prayer plays in American life, and we defend the individual right to religious liberty and expression. Approximately 100 Members of Congress - Democrats and Republicans - have come together in this important endeavor, and political labels are left at the door when we meet privately to pray for wisdom as each week’s legislative session begins.
The Prayer Caucus is on the forefront of protecting religious freedoms, and some of the initiatives we have undertaken include:
Ensuring that our nation’s religious heritage is properly included in the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center;
Supporting the National Day of Prayer and the National Prayer Breakfast;
Reaffirming our national motto, “In God We Trust;”
Fighting attempts to remove “Under God” from our Pledge of Allegiance;
Opposing efforts to remove a memorial cross honoring military veterans;
Working to retain the practice of reference to God during flag-folding ceremonies for veterans’ funerals; and
Protecting the ability of military chaplains to pray according to their consciences.
In the small chapel of the U.S. Capitol, there is a beautiful stained glass window called “Washington’s Gethsemane.” It depicts a kneeling figure of George Washington on a cold winter day in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, just days before Christmas, praying for his soldiers and our country. It serves as a powerful affirmation of faith and patriotic duty, and it embodies the deep spiritual underpinnings of the founding of our nation.
The Apostle Paul wrote in I Thessalonians 5:17, that we should “pray without ceasing.” Indeed, if any of us desire to know the true source of power, it cannot be found in the halls of Congress, the chambers of the Supreme Court or the Oval Office in the West Wing. It must be found in the One who is the only true source of power. Prayer gives us an opportunity to express our heart to God, and it gives Him the opportunity to speak to a receptive heart.
You, your family, your fellowship group or your place of worship can readily join us in this effort to pray for us and for all leaders that we may rely upon the wisdom which only He can give. You can join us in this endeavor at www.mcintyre.house.gov/prayercaucus. Thank you, and may God bless you and yours during this Christmas season and throughout the new year!
U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre
Representing the 7th District of North Carolina
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Lumberton, NC
500 North Cedar Street
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 735-0610
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301 Green Street, Room 315
Fayetteville, NC 28301
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Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-2731
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