How Rick Warren Ought To Have Prayed!
- By The Christian Messenger
- Published 01/29/2009
The Christian Messenger
The Christian Messenger - Evangelism Through Journalism. The Christian Messenger is an evangelical monthly newspaper published from Chennai, India. Started in 2002 as a privately circulated periodical, its initial print run was 2,500 copies. A year later, it became a registered newspaper. Currently, the print order is 15,000 copies. It is perhaps the only Christian newspaper that spans the length and breadth of the country. The founders of the newspaper have a vision to make it India’s leading Christian daily.What we do: Good news, first! That's our burden. Good news is not just the Gospel but also the positive side of Christian living. But that doesn't mean we don't report bad news. Persecution, end-times watch, falling idols and Biblical prophecies that come true are part of our reportage. We are dependent on God and independent of any denomination, groups or organizations. Neither do we let advertisers influence news coverage nor do we print puffed up handouts. We are fair, neutral and non-judgmental. Because we believe in a God who tells the truth and expects us to be like Him. Why a Christian newspaper? At the heart of our media mission is this motto: Evangelism through journalism. The purpose of this newspaper is to report newsworthy religious events and activities within the local community, nationwide and around the world, to increase the awareness and activism of believers regarding the moral issues of today, to provide thought-provoking commentary, and to provide an effective advertising vehicle for Christian ministries and organizations, events and businesses that want to reach the Christian community in India and abroad. If you think you can support us or partner with us in this mission, do send us a mail today: editor@christianmessenger.in
By Bill Keller
I want to share with you my invocation at the US president's inauguration. This is the prayer Rick Warren should have prayed if he weren't more a marketer than a minister, more a businessman than a bishop, more a politician than a prophet.
"Almighty God, hear the humble pleas of your people today. Oh God, we have no right to even ask for your blessings on this day. We are a wicked and sinful people. We slaughter four thousand innocent lives every 24 hours. We've made a mockery of your holy institution of marriage and the family. While claiming to be a friend to Israel, we have cursed your chosen people by plotting with her enemies. We've forsaken you for every false god and idol man has created out of his rebellious mind.
"For all of these gross indiscretions we can only ask your forgiveness. We ask your blessings on our incoming president and his family. Oh God, I pray that they will surrender their hearts and lives to you and that they will be guided by the only truth there is, your holy word. May this nation today recognize that we are totally dependent upon you and that our blessings come from above as we faithfully and obediently follow and honor you with our lives. May we turn back to you and the truth of your word and ask you to bless us as we do. In the name that is above all names, the only name by which men are saved, the name of the savior of the world, Jesus Christ, amen."
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