Political Commentary

Public praying is not an opportunity for political commentary.  Jesus said when teaching the disciples their most memorable lesson about prayer, "Pray then in this way.  Our Father in heaven...."  (Mathew 6:9).  To hear this simple word is to hear a word which tells us that prayer is spiritual communication with God the Father.  When public prayer turns into political commentary, it loses its spiritual dimension and it ceases to be something directed toward God.  Instead, it becomes a verbal monologue directed toward the ears of those who have gathered with the purpose of worshiping God.   

When political commentary is disguised as prayer, it may be acceptable to those of the same political persuasion, but it is sure to cause those on the other side of the commentary to feel that they have become a captive audience in a forum where they have no voice.  Whatever spirit of worship that might be in the gathering place is suddenly quenched for half of the congregation.   Perhaps, the one offering the political commentary via prayer is of the opinion that God needs to informed, or advised, but, of course, no assumption could be farther from the truth.  God is the God of the nations and is the God who understands the political processes which are at work among the nations.   

This is not to say that the issues which prompt the ill advised political commentary are not issues for praying.  If there is concern of some political issues, or some injustice, and some national debate it is better to go to the core of the concern.  We can pray "...let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24) without turning our concern into a political tirade that can only cause some to look for the exit signs and God to wonder if what was directed toward Him was not actually misdirected.