I was happy to be able to read the text from each of these prayers as I was at work and could not watch the inauguration on TV.
There is already criticism of Rick Warren's prayer coming from the homosexual community. I think if they are honest, their criticism should be directed towards President Obama as he is the one who asked Rick Warren to invoke the benediction. After all, Obama knew Mr. Warren is a Christian. Why would anyone expect that he pray in any other name than the name of Jesus?
In my opinion, Rev. Lowery's prayer contained such beautiful language that it makes me wonder why he included that last paragraph. It sort of ruined the whole thing for me. It did not fit the tone of the whole prayer at all. Very curious.
Shane Vander Hart
· 11 months ago
I agree, it would have been just fine without that last paragraph.
Terrie
· 11 months ago
Hey Shane, I have read several comments out there in the blogosphere regarding Rev. Lowery's prayer that state that the ending words do have historical and cultural significance to African Americans. Perhaps I just don't understand.
After reading through his prayer again, I think that the more problematic words might be found in the sixth paragraph beginning with the words, "And as we leave this mountaintop,". He ends the paragraph with these words, "or wherever we seek your will." Is Rev. Lowery suggesting that all ways of seeking God are valid? Perhaps I am reading more in to it than he meant. However, it bears repeating that although we respect the right for people to exercise their religion of choice, Christians must stand firm and unwavering in the truth of the gospel.
Shane Vander Hart
· 11 months ago
Well, they may have historical and cultural significance to African Americans, but then he opened the door to misunderstanding and people taking offense.
The "as we leave this mountaintop" I think refers to the inauguration. The phrase "or wherever we seek your will" does seem to imply a relativistic approach to theology or a universal salvation. I really don't know anything about his theology beyond the fact he is an ordained United Methodist pastor.
Michael Demastus
· 11 months ago
But Warren DID pray in the name of Jesus. Look at the transcript.
Shane Vander Hart
· 11 months ago
Yes, that is what I meant - "He did, like I thought that he would." is what I should have written. Sorry I wasn't clear.
Shushannah S. Lopez
· 11 months ago
i would say the benediction is more inspiring and heartfelt prayer than the invocation.
Maybe Rev. Lowery would enjoy reading that, and uh, I have a Crayola 64 box for him to wax poetic if he still feels frisky.
Call me.
Mary
· 11 months ago
For black who remember that saying from childhood the ending comments of the benediction were funny. People need to stop taking life so seriously. Minorities are continually on the outside looking in. Now they feel included and those that have been included for an eternity suddenly are getting a taste of what it feels like to be on the outside of a joke. it was a joke that was symbolic of how far we've come. if you think race no longer matters you're being naive. of course, it does and maybe now there will be a greater chance of an intermingling of cultures through this one little saying.
Mark
· 11 months ago
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MICHELLE
· 10 months ago
THANK GOD FOR PASTOR RICK WARREN THAT'S RIGHT HE USED THE NAME OF JESUS SOMEONE STANDING UP FOR THE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST AND NOT A COWARD! PRAISE THE LORD!!!! I'M SURE THAT WAS A BIG CROWN PLACED ON HIS HEAD SO THAT HE COULD PUT IT AT THE FEET OF JESUS..HALLELUJAH! LET ME SAY IT AGAIN JESUS...HELLO..
All Comments
There is already criticism of Rick Warren's prayer coming from the homosexual community. I think if they are honest, their criticism should be directed towards President Obama as he is the one who asked Rick Warren to invoke the benediction. After all, Obama knew Mr. Warren is a Christian. Why would anyone expect that he pray in any other name than the name of Jesus?
In my opinion, Rev. Lowery's prayer contained such beautiful language that it makes me wonder why he included that last paragraph. It sort of ruined the whole thing for me. It did not fit the tone of the whole prayer at all. Very curious.
I have read several comments out there in the blogosphere regarding Rev. Lowery's prayer that state that the ending words do have historical and cultural significance to African Americans. Perhaps I just don't understand.
After reading through his prayer again, I think that the more problematic words might be found in the sixth paragraph beginning with the words, "And as we leave this mountaintop,". He ends the paragraph with these words, "or wherever we seek your will." Is Rev. Lowery suggesting that all ways of seeking God are valid? Perhaps I am reading more in to it than he meant. However, it bears repeating that although we respect the right for people to exercise their religion of choice, Christians must stand firm and unwavering in the truth of the gospel.
The "as we leave this mountaintop" I think refers to the inauguration. The phrase "or wherever we seek your will" does seem to imply a relativistic approach to theology or a universal salvation. I really don't know anything about his theology beyond the fact he is an ordained United Methodist pastor.
What I thought about the prayer: http://hiscrivener.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/gob...
It was much better than expected, but still underwhelming. And he seemed to enjoy saying his daughters' names waaay too much. IJS.
What I thought about the event: http://hiscrivener.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/gob...
Maybe Rev. Lowery would enjoy reading that, and uh, I have a Crayola 64 box for him to wax poetic if he still feels frisky.
Call me.
I added your blog to a bookmark!
the post Excellent but your design no correctly displayed on my mozile and badly read . But I suppose that I have temporary problems with the Internet. please Write more. but I will try to build system and i will be happy to read more.