U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb determined that a national day of prayer---is unconstitutional. In her decision, she commented, "...[R]ecognizing the importance of prayer to many people does not mean that the government may enact a statute in support of it..."
"In fact, it is because the nature of prayer is so personal and can have such a powerful effect on a community that the government may not use its authority to try to influence an individual's decision whether and when to pray," Crabb continued.
The judge is wrong. The founding fathers did many things to encourage people in their faith.
The law establishing the National Day of Prayer did not do anything to make people pray, it simply set aside a day to remember the importance of prayer in this nation and in the founding of the nation.
Such remembrance has place in our society or any culture. The 4th of July is to remember the founding of our nation, Thanksgiving was established to remember the Pilgrims who gave thanks for being rescued out of dire circumstances. Memorial Day remembers the ultimate sacrifice of our soldiers in combat, Veterans Day remembers all military men and women who have served. Remembrance is an important part of our lives. To remember the importance of prayer is entirely fitting.
Our Founding Father’s did not want to “establish” a state church. That was what they came here for, to get away from the European State Churches and to practice their own religion freely.
They recognized the need to have religion in our lives, in fact stating: “…a republic demands a moral people.” They knew that a self-governing people cannot employ radical forms of discipline to get people to follow the law. They knew that in a Republic the people must voluntarily follow the law.
They visualized a secular government but did not ever suggest a secular culture. In fact the Congressional chamber was used for church services in the early days of Washington, DC because no other building would house enough people.
There is an obvious need for Congress to recognize a Day of Prayer. It is part of our culture, it is part of our heritage and was certainly part of our Founding Father’s vision for America. Quotations from religious writings and literature are prevalent throughout the founding of our nation.
"[The] sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for, among old parchments, or musty records," Alexander Hamilton insisted. "They are written, as with a sun beam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself; and can never be erased."
Setting aside a day of prayer is compatible with our nation's culture.
George Washington declared it to be the responsibility of every American:
"It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God... and humbly implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer" (Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789).
Amen.
