Cornerstone TeleVision Blog

Today I came across a very interesting headline in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Pastor told to deliver 'nondenominational' prayer in state House". Last month Rev. Gerry Stoltzfoos prayed before the state Senate, and provoked legislators when he closed with "We pray, in Jesus name, amen". House officials asked Rev. Stoltzfoos to use a 'non-denominational' prayer, eliminating the use of 'Jesus', well, like any Christian would, Stoltzfoos opted out of praying at all, causing an uproar in the wonderful world of cyberspace. Stoltzfoos questioned Senate officials about a policy with these limitations even existing, he was told that the Senate has a more diverse approach to opening prayers, but wasn't told that there is a policy which limits prayers. Rev. Stoltzfoos gave his prayer again yesterday, with a few modifications, one being a preamble; 

"I am painfully aware that there are many here today who have embraced belief systems other than mine. I am not here to say that everyone ought to believe as I do. But I can only pray to my God. If you believe in some other power, I invite you to address yours as I address mine".

During his prayer, he used the words God and Lord, not Jesus. Stoltzfoos closed the prayer with "For those of you who are Christians, we pray in Jesus' name". Reverend Stoltzfoos took the stand we must continue to take as Christians. God is calling us to do more, to be more, to give more, and yes, to make a stand…more.

I am almost positive Senate officials and legislators thought about what Stoltzfoos did, just a thought about Christ can make a difference in somebody. What stand have you taken for Christ? Would you have done the same as Rev. Stolzfoos? Or would you end the prayer in a way that’s correct to the world but completely wrong biblically? Today I charge you to stand for Christ because a very long time ago Christ stood for us.