Jesus’ disciples approached him once and said, “Teach us to pray.” It was common practice in the ancient world for teachers to instruct their followers in all forms of spiritual practice. According to the New Testament, what Jesus offered in response to their request is what we now call the Lord’s Prayer. I bring this up because prayer is at the center of a controversy swirling around Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony.
President-elect Obama has invited Rick Warren, pastor of a conservative mega-church, to offer the invocation prayer on inauguration day. It’s amazing how many people are angered by this decision. Gays and lesbians who supported Obama are appalled at the selection.
