Prayer Intentions Getting Political

[Cathryn]

Anyone else experiencing political jabs in the prayer intentions.

Here’s an example:

Let us pray that our president be given the gift of humility. (Clever way to say he has none.)

Lord, hear our prayer.

Let us pray that our leaders stop using aggression first to solve problems.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Etc, Etc, Interspersed between very good, non political intentions.

I have asked our Pastor if we can opt out of the prayer intentions that we find offensive, political, or just don’t agree with. He said absolutely, and he told the deacon to cool the politics.

Anyone else having intentions that seem to be politically motivated. I found an article online that indicates this is a real problem. It was called something like “Lord, Please Don’t Hear This Prayer”

 

[VociMike]

Besides being innately offensive at Mass, I think there are two strong reasons for a pastor to put an end to this stuff, and both have to do with money.

1. Why annoy some in the pews and make enemies of them (and, in all likelyhood, have them cut back on their donations)? What is gained?
2. The IRS is quick to go after religious non-profits that engage in partisan politics. While the comments you cited don’t cross that line, why even flirt with it? Why invite letters to the IRS complaining that “they’re discussing politics in my church!”?

 

[PaixGioiaAmor]

Anyone else experiencing political jabs in the prayer intentions.

Here’s an example:

Let us pray that our president be given the gift of humility. (Clever way to say he has none.)

Lord, hear our prayer.

Let us pray that our leaders stop using aggression first to solve problems.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Etc, Etc, Interspersed between very good, non political intentions.

I have asked our Pastor if we can opt out of the prayer intentions that we find offensive, political, or just don’t agree with. He said absolutely, and he told the deacon to cool the politics.

Anyone else having intentions that seem to be politically motivated. I found an article online that indicates this is a real problem. It was called something like “Lord, Please Don’t Hear This Prayer”

Sounds like you are the on infusing politics with the prayers by reading something into everything you hear.

To pray that world leaders have humility and that they not use aggression as a way to solve conflict is completely in line with the gospels.

Remember, Jesus said the hard things too (Who can endure this sort of talk?)

 

[Cathryn]

Sounds like you are the on infusing politics with the prayers by reading something into everything you hear.

To pray that world leaders have humility and that they not use aggression as a way to solve conflict is completely in line with the gospels.

Remember, Jesus said the hard things too (Who can endure this sort of talk?)

He didn’t say world leaders, it was only President Bush. Yes, you would think it would have been all world leaders. I pray for the president every day that he be given all the graces and gifts he needs to do his job. I would have no problem praying for that at Mass along with my fellow Catholic brothers and sister. I seem to remember not that long ago when we prayed like that at Mass.

I don't believe our country is using aggression first to solve our problems.    This is an accusation and what I object to.     I am sure we disagree here and this forum isn't about politics so, I think we should agree to disagree about the politics of it.    By the way,  praying for a peaceful end to the war in Iraq, would be a good prayer intention to me.   Praying for our leaders be given the wisdom and strength to do theirs jobs is consistent with Catholic teaching and not political jabs.  

It also wasn't just me that has objected to the politics in the prayer intentions.      Quite a few parishoners objected.  There was a discussion about it outside the church after Mass.    When the pastor walked up to us to see what was going on, is when I asked the pastor if we could opt out of praying along with the intentions.   He immedietly said "Absolutely!".    He didn't even ask why.   He knew.    :shrug: