A thousand time yes! As a layperson who watches all of GA via streaming, this was one of the things I immediately noticed. Possibly as one "participating" in GA vicariously, maybe this was more apparent to me than it might have been had I been on the floor as a delegate. While, as you point out, prayer is required at the beginning of reports per the RAO, I'm not entirely convinced that even this is necessary. Why would prayers at the opening of each session (morning, afternoon, etc.) not be sufficient to cover all the reports for that session? Is our God unable to continue blessing and providing guidance throughout the entire session without being continually reminded? Though one might argue that it's those participating in GA that need reminding and not our Lord, it still seems to me that the frequent prayers can give the appearance of outward piety and become more of a performance (and dare I say, a competition?) than anything of real substance.
That reminds of a story re Presbyterian evangelist Billy Sunday.
One preacher's prayer on the platform droned on and on. Finally, Billy got up to the lectern announcing: "Would you stand and turn in your hymnbooks as we sing number so & so while our brother finishes his prayer."
I'm from another part of the Reformed vineyard, but truth to tell: how many of us preachers fail to pray with our heart and then know to SIT DOWN!
A thousand time yes! As a layperson who watches all of GA via streaming, this was one of the things I immediately noticed. Possibly as one "participating" in GA vicariously, maybe this was more apparent to me than it might have been had I been on the floor as a delegate. While, as you point out, prayer is required at the beginning of reports per the RAO, I'm not entirely convinced that even this is necessary. Why would prayers at the opening of each session (morning, afternoon, etc.) not be sufficient to cover all the reports for that session? Is our God unable to continue blessing and providing guidance throughout the entire session without being continually reminded? Though one might argue that it's those participating in GA that need reminding and not our Lord, it still seems to me that the frequent prayers can give the appearance of outward piety and become more of a performance (and dare I say, a competition?) than anything of real substance.
So it's not just me!
At least your request on the floor of the assembly today was honored for one full report before reverting back to closing prayers at the end of each!
Brad,
That reminds of a story re Presbyterian evangelist Billy Sunday.
One preacher's prayer on the platform droned on and on. Finally, Billy got up to the lectern announcing: "Would you stand and turn in your hymnbooks as we sing number so & so while our brother finishes his prayer."
I'm from another part of the Reformed vineyard, but truth to tell: how many of us preachers fail to pray with our heart and then know to SIT DOWN!
Blessings,
Chuck Wiggins
Braden River Presbyterian Church
Bradenton, FL
A preponderance of concupiscence perhaps?
One of my professors said, “For every minute of business, we should have a minute of prayer.” We should do less business and have more prayer!
Might I suggest that we consider each prayer a learning opportunity? We could hold up something outside of our own self for thanksgiving or praise...