Capitol Commission state director urges prayer, not criticism

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 - 4:30 PM CST

With slates of political candidates vying for a place in the 2012 general elections, many people already have grown weary of the rhetoric, mudslinging and scandalizing that so often characterizes American politics. Yet, the messages being conveyed in the midst of the fray, as well as the candidates themselves, must be understood so that intelligent and responsible choices can be made at the polls on November 6, 2012.

Candidates also should be objects of concerted prayer. Recently, however, Paul Meinsen, director of Capitol Commission for the State of Missouri, encountered an attitude that is often all too prevalent even within the Christian community. In a recent Capitol Commission News and Report column titled "A Stunning Answer," Meinsen includes content excerpted below.

"I was talking with a Christian man who was ranting and raving about the political condition of our nation. While he took a breath, I asked him a quick question: ‘How about praying for the salvation of these people?' He stopped. He tilted back his head and thought; then replied with a simple, but blunt, ‘No!'

"I wish I could tell you that I came back with much wisdom and fine words to cause him to change his mind, but I was too shocked to bring back a quick admonition.

"I bring this up as a reminder that we must guard our hearts from being bitter toward those with whom we do not agree - especially to the point of not being willing to pray for their salvation. The apostle Paul wrote, ‘Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice' (Ephesians 4:31).

"As we enter the next election cycle, protect your hearts from bitterness as you see and hear the ads and promotions. Don't allow the falsehoods, distortions and inconsistencies to plant seeds of bitterness. Pray instead that the amazing grace of God may draw these men and women to Him for salvation. When you do that, you will find your own heart changed in your attitude toward them; love and compassion will replace bitterness and hatred."

Maempa

"May we all heed this counsel," says John Maempa, director of the Office of Prayer and Spiritual Care. "When political beliefs begin to overshadow our spiritual beliefs, our priorities need to be reexamined."

Capitol Commission, endorsed by the Assemblies of God, is a ministry committed to providing Bible study, prayer and relationship-building opportunities for legislators and staff in our nation's state capitals. Presently, Commission directors are active in 19 states.

For more information on Capitol Commission, click here.