Governor Perry’s Call To Prayer and Fasting

There is a lot of press these days about Governor Rick Perry’s role in organizing a national day of prayer and fasting – what the Bible calls a solemn assembly - on Aug. 6 in Houston at Reliant Arena. Some of my friends are energized and hopeful regarding the possibilities of a national solemn assembly led by the political leader of the state of Texas. Others are skeptical that it is more a political move designed to position Perry with the evangelical wing of the Republican Party in a possible bid for the Presidency of the United States.

I have had a number of emails and phone calls asking me what I think about this . . . thus this post.

The Scripture is clear that there is a relationship between the condition of the land and the faithfulness of God’s people (for instance in II Chronicles 7:14). The clear direction for addressing the condition of the land is for God’s people to repent of their sin. To that end, the Prophet Joel called for a solemn assembly. "Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD... 'Even now," declares the LORD, 'Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." Joel 1:14, 2:12-13

In Joel’s call to the Solemn Assembly he makes it clear that it is the condition of our hearts that must be addressed. In humility we come to repent of our part in creating the conditions in the land.

As I read that it would mean that Governor Perry would model what is required of each of us as he comes to confess his sin that has contributed to the condition of the land. It is also clear that God has a clear distaste for religious activities like prayer and fasting that don’t lead to people with power using that power to loose the chains of injustice, free the oppressed, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and welcome the immigrant (for instance in Isaiah 58:6-7)

As I have thought, prayed, and talked with friends, I find myself in the wishful but skeptical camp. I truly wish our leaders would come together in humility, each confessing his or her sins, repenting in a way that does an about face, and going a different direction. I believe that kind of prayer and fasting would change the spiritual climate of our land. If this happened it would be unprecedented at this level in my lifetime. Perhaps that is why I am skeptical.

So, what would make it possible for me to actively, with an attitude of hope, support this effort? Here are some thoughts. It will be possible if . . .

1. Governor Perry makes a public pledge that, for his part, he would be there to confess his sins and his alone. He would give his word not to confess what he perceives to be the sins of others – especially his political opponents.

2. Governor Perry invites a co-host from the Democratic Party to join him in giving leadership to this effort and that person would also give his/her word to item #1 above.

3. Governor Perry and his Democratic Party Co-Host commits to modeling a genuine sense of humility for all those who share in leadership of the event. That means they come to the event crying out to God for answers, not using the event to promote - through spoken prayer speeches - answers either political party is already embracing.

If the leaders of this event would commit to these three things, that would be a gathering that would get my heartfelt support. I believe there is a deep need for prayerful, humble repentance on the part of many of us. I put myself at the top of that list.

I feel like the man who met Jesus and cried out “Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief.” I want to believe that such a gathering is possible. I need help for my unbelief.