We all need to take the time to pray

“We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and

multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and have vainly imagined

that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and

virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become

too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving

grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.”

-- ABRAHAM LINCOLN

I read that President Lincoln gave the above response when he

received a resolution that asked him to declare a national day of

prayer.

At the time, the nation was in the midst of the Civil War, with no

clear sign of an end, let alone victory. Those powerful words from a

powerful president point us to our powerful God.

Last week was a three-day weekend for many of you. Monday was the

holiday now known as Presidents Day. After some research, I learned

that in 1971, President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal

holiday, the Presidents Day, to be observed on the third Monday of

February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of

America.

The more I learn about past presidents, the more impressed I am at

the weight of responsibility they shouldered. I understand the

critical importance of surrounding themselves with capable,

trustworthy and wise men and women. I also understand why so many

also loved, respected and tried to live their lives according to

God’s principles.

Abraham Lincoln also said, “I have been driven many times to my

knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.”

I would not want to be the president of the United States of

America, in any era, especially not the one we are in right now. The

never-ending amount of decisions, details and directions to be

analyzed, verified, clarified and carried out is beyond staggering.

As I read or listen to the news, I am amazed at what changes or

transpires in a single day, and I have no choice but to pray. I pray

for President Bush, his advisors and those in any kind of authority

or decision-making role. I pray that God will give them his wisdom,

guidance and protection.

I also pray for God’s wisdom for all other leaders around the

globe, as they too make decisions that affect all of us. This column

is not meant to be political, but prayerful, and if ever there was a

time to pray, the time is now.

Thomas Jefferson said, “The God who gave us life, gave us liberty

at the same time.” We have amazing liberties and freedoms in our

country, and one of those is the ability and responsibility to pray.

Last weekend, there were special sales in stores, at the malls and

at most car dealerships. Many businesses were closed, but I would

hope that many more hearts were opened and prayers prayed. Not only

was it a time to honor past presidents, but a reminder to honor God.

You may have had the fortune to enjoy a day or two off of work,

but we all have daily opportunities to pray.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.