Christian Press Newspaper - Your Christian news authority!

Home

“In God We Trust”

Written by Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

Wednesday, 25 June 2008

In Washington today, it is vital to keep our faith in the forefront of our thoughts and actions. Our country’s founding fathers knew this well, and we have them to thank for their example and for the solid foundation they gave us as a nation founded upon Judeo-Christian principles.

Our Judeo-Christian tradition is based upon the belief that all men are created in the image and likeness of God. This was the basis of the American Revolution and the bedrock of the U.S. Constitution. U.S. President John Adams stated the American Revolution was due to a change in overall religious sentiments by the American people in regard to their duties and obligations. “The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments of their duties and obligations. This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments and affections of the people, was the real American Revolution.” Benjamin Franklin referenced the powerful truth, “God governs in the affairs of men,” when speaking on the importance and significance of opening in prayer at the Constitutional Convention.

Additionally, our pledge of allegiance to the United States Flag declares us to be “one nation under God” setting our nation apart from other nations of the world today. Our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”, echoes throughout the chambers of the United States Capitol and is engraved on the currency and coinage of our nation. Washington recognizes these central thematic elements on a daily basis. For example, since the first session of Congress in 1789, each and every legislative session has opened in prayer.
And while it seems as though most of Washington has either become hostile or apathetic to this heritage, there are currently 42 members of Congress making up the Congressional Prayer Caucus, of which I am please to be a member. Each week, while in session, this group of Congressional members gathers in a room near the House floor to pray for our nation. It has been both humbling and inspiring serving on this caucus and working for the following goals:

1) To recognize the key role prayer plays in the lives of individuals of all faiths in uniting and making us, as a nation and as a Congress, more generous, more cooperative, and more forgiving

2) To collect, exchange, and disseminate information about prayer as a fundamental and enduring feature of American life

3) To use the legislative process – both through sponsorship of affirmative legislation and through opposition to detrimental legislation – to assist the nation and its people in continuing to draw upon and benefit from this essential source of our strength and well-being

In a bipartisan effort, we have united together, with the power of prayer, to address a host of issues important to our great nation. These include upholding our motto, “In God We Trust” as well as other symbols of our Judeo-Christian heritage. Through various letters written, legislation passed, and resolutions offered, the Congressional Prayer Caucus has fought to make our religious heritage a priority in the political center of the United States of America.

The power of prayer is the power to change perspective from our short-term self interests to focus on God’s eternal wisdom. Prayer is essential for wise governance. It is my fervent hope that, together with my colleagues serving on the Congressional Prayer Caucus, I can continue to work diligently to keep prayer at the forefront of all legislative actions. I know many Americans join me in this same desire. I am encouraged by the Scripture in Jeremiah 29:12, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

—Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)