Having said that, let the review begin!
A little about the book first....
On the inside cover of the book it says,
“Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray...” - Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln’s 1865 inaugural address was as much about God and prayer as it was the circumstances of a nation in civil war. The president’s words reflect a country that believed in prayer. Have we as a people shed our passion for praying? Are we now less prone in this 21st century to seek God for the benefit of others and ourselves? Would we ignore the call to pray for the President of the United States of America?
Charles Garriott’s Obama Prayer is a reminder that little has changed when it comes to our nation’s prayer posture. It has been said that within a given week over 80% of our nation will humble themselves before God. This well-crafted and insightful book provides timely encouragement and insights in how to effectually pray for our president, his family, work, and soul.
When I was asked to review this book I had to think about it. I know, I know, what was there to think about? The plain truth was, I didn't want to read a book about praying for this particular president. In fact, the author, Charles Garriott had eloquently put my very thoughts in this book....
"Some no doubt will disdain the concept of this prayer book. The political era of this new century is nauseating, and many of us are weary of the lack of civility. I suspect some would prefer a constitutional clause separating politics and prayer. For others, to seek God's presence on behalf of someone with whom they are at political odds makes no sense. Of course, they might pray as the ancient King of Israel did when he said, ("O, that you would slay the wicked, O God!" (Psalm 139:19a))..." p13
However, once I got over my reluctance and agreed to review it, I felt better.... somewhat. It wasn't until I was actually holding the book, though, did I realize my own derelict condition. I wasn't, as a Christian, doing what God had in His own written Word had told me to do. And that was pray
"...for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2:1-6 NKJV)
Mr. Garriott has written a book that is not only timely but timeless. Though it is directed towards this particular president, it can be modified for future presidents. Maybe a different title would have been better, yet, I can see the challenge to Christians all over the country to read this book and remember what we are suppose to do. Pray for our president (even if we didn't vote for him) and our government (even if it isn't the one we want) and remember that God is the One who puts kings (and presidents) in place.
Mr. Garriott has made it easy to pray for the president by inserting a prayer at the end of each chapter. You can pray that particular prayer or modify it. Each prayer begins with the acknowledgement of who God is, giving honor and glory to Him, then specifically praying for the president or his health or family or something relating to the government and country and then closes giving all glory to the Lord again. If you are familiar with the Lord's Prayer, you will find each prayer is patterned after it.
He begins each chapter with a verse from Proverbs and refers to various verses from the Bible throughout. This little book is a big reminder of what we as Christians are suppose to be doing. Praying for those in authority so we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.
Though I was hesitant at first I am now convicted and convinced to pray for a president I didn't vote for, one whose politics I am in opposition to. But God didn't tell me to only pray for those I am in agreement with, but to pray for those in authority.
I hope this review will encourage you to get a copy of this book, especially if you have a difficult time trying to pray for this president or any others that may come into office. Let's look at what God's Word says, again....
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (I Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV)
Get this book, pray for the president of this country and know that what you are doing is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.
CHARLES GARRIOTT was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and was educated at the University of Baltimore and Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. For over twenty years he pastored in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He has traveled and preached, extensively throughout South Africa, Central Europe, Asia, and Haiti. Garriott develops ministry to those in government in Washington, D.C., state, and international capitals, under the auspices of Mission North America, Presbyterian Church in America.
He lives with his wife Debby in the District of Columbia. They have four children and four grandchildren.
You can learn more about Obama Prayer at www.obamaprayer.com and you can purchase the book at Amazon.com.
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