Will Rick Warren invoke Jesus at Obama inauguration? Likely yes.
Will he or won't he? There's been some debate about whether Orange County Pastor Rick Warren will invoke Jesus' name during his controversial inauguration talk. The OC Register's Erika Ritchie is now reporting that his congregation back in Orange County believes he will:
They expect to hear him invoke the name of Jesus during the invocation, something Saddleback mega church Pastor Rick Warren told his congregation during a recent Sunday service. Warren's prayer and whether or not he would invoke the name of Jesus has been speculated in the media, with some fellow preachers urging him to use the name while others favoring a strict church/state separation have urged him to offer a more non-sectarian prayer such as the ones offered in previous invocations. In previous discussions Warren did not confirm or deny his plans. Instead he told Associated Press, "I'm a Christian pastor, so I will pray the only kind of prayer I know how to pray."
--Shelby Grad
Photo: Los Angeles Times file
Be careful for what you wish for. If the name of Jesus is removed from Warrens prayer, Warrens prayer will be a wasted one. Jesus, is the cushion between us and God's anger, giving us time to repent from our wrongdoings. God is angry at where this nation is heading. Remove Jesus from the equation, the only thing left are God's anger(at unrepented sin) and sinful man. Without Jesus, man will be completely exposed to God's wrath.
Posted by: Sees | January 19, 2009 at 10:59 PM
I will hope so. That name is The Name above all names, King above all kings.
And Obama will only be able to do things in this name.
So sure, Rick Warren will invoke Jesus name.
In all moslem country, a president inauguration is also followeed by a prayer by mentionning name "Allah". And we should not be allergic to Jesus name, why should we. Obama's God is named Jesus Christ, and he will sworn, and blessed under this almighty name.Period.
Posted by: Gaby-Bali | January 20, 2009 at 05:51 AM
I commend Pastor Rick warren. God should be clebrated at any opprtunity that will reach one more person!
Posted by: Amy Alvarez | January 20, 2009 at 06:34 AM
He might as well invoke Santa's name, for all the good it will do. Why is this part of the inauguration anyway? Politicians should be focusing on actual problems and events, not having a salesman claim their imaginary friend of choice will make everything better.
Posted by: Truth | January 20, 2009 at 09:30 AM
We, the people of the United States of America, do not need a prayer as part of a government function... whether it references Jesus, Mohammed, Krishna or Buddha.
Religion should stay where it belongs... in churches.
Posted by: Jeff Baker | January 20, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Warren's prayer said that if America makes mistakes, to forgive us... But he didn't pray that we LEARN what our mistakes are, that we CHANGE and FIX our mistakes... In that respect it was very empty: "God, we're going to do what we're going to do, so forgive us". That's not a humble or heartfelt prayer.
Posted by: Tim Alan | January 20, 2009 at 09:41 AM
It is a shame that we still try to keep God out of everything. Our nations fathers founded this country on believing in GOD. IN GOD WE TRUST!. Who are you to change or say what needs to be seperated. The bible is very fair when read correctly. It proclaims freedom for all....Men, Women, White, Black...whatever... It's unfair that you judge christians, yet dont want to be judged yourself...How hypocritical!! Why wouldnt someone want a religion that stands for peace, equality, justice, love, hardwork, intelligence...
Please explain. I know so man people including myself that the Christian religion has helped!!!!!!
Posted by: Linton W | January 20, 2009 at 11:49 AM
The mantle in the White House State Dining Room engraved with the prayer of President John Adams: "I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof."
A spiritual belief and faith of our Lord and Savior "Jesus Christ". Do not forget that the reason why our country is so great is clearly because our Lord continues to protect us all including the non believers".
Posted by: Golda | January 20, 2009 at 01:23 PM
I am very happy to hear Rick Warren mentioned the name of my gardener, Jesus Mendoza. Way to go Jesus!
Posted by: Very simple | January 20, 2009 at 03:25 PM
God is a Spirit. John.4:24
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisable God. Colossians 1:15
Posted by: Steve Coulon | January 20, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Check out the posts of the folks who applaud Warren's pro-religious invocation (Gaby-Bali or Amy Alvarez, to name a few). These comments are littered with mispelled words, poor grammar and bad punctuation. It should surprise absolutely nobody that Americans who consider themselves "devout" Christians have an Intelligence Quotient (IQ, for all you evangelicals out there) that is 12 points below the national average. Keep Santa Claus out of the government -- we are not all Christians!
Posted by: Mark from the OC | January 20, 2009 at 07:01 PM
The most interesting and surprising was Rick Warren's praying in the name of the Muslim “Esa”, who, in their story is neither divine, nor died on the cross for us:
http://www.liturgy.co.nz/blog/invocations-barak-obama/296
Posted by: Bosco Peters | January 21, 2009 at 12:19 AM
Thank you Rick Warren,And Glory to God the Father and one day,one day all Knees shall bough and every tonge shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.The wisdom of God is foolish to this world,but God uses the foolishness of this world to confound the wise of this world.Praise God ,Leave god out of politics?With out God there would be no world to be politics to pray over!
Posted by: fawn | January 24, 2009 at 05:30 PM