Baptist tradition is built upon four freedoms: Bible, Soul, Religious, and Church Freedom. Bible freedom means that we can each read the Bible for ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us. Soul freedom means that we should each, in our own time, have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Religious freedom means that we should each be able to worship freely and that church and state should be separate. And church freedom means that each church should govern itself according to how it feels led rather than having a higher governing body.
The tenants of Baptist tradition are good. They emphasize freedom. But when overemphasized, those same freedoms separate us from the beauty and richness of church tradition--both in the church calendar and in the rich liturgy of worship and prayer that has grounded Christians throughout Christian history.
Today, on this National Day of Prayer, I, a Baptist, have connected with Christians from around the world, through both time and space, by praying from The Book of Common Prayer that I inherited from my friend and mentor Kay Simpson. Kay had dog-eared the pages of "Prayers for National Life," and just as Kay once prayed and other Christians are praying, I now pray (with a few personal liberties) and ask you now to pray with me:
O Lord our God, bless us, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to those around us.
Lord, keep us under your care.
To the President, members of the Cabinet, to the Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, Presidents of Companies, Principals of Schools, Pastors of Churches, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To Senators and Representatives, Board Members, and Deacons, and all those who make our laws in States, Cities, Towns, Companies, and Churches, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of your creation.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts, give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grade to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, God, teach us to rely on your strength and to accept our responsibilities as citizens both of this country and world. Bless us with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitude brought here from around the world. Fill us with a spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our homes, cities, states, nation, and world. In times of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in days of trouble, hear our cries of reliance on you.
We ask all of this through our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
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