Apostles and Prophets: "Pray for Obama."

Elder M. Russell Ballard recently told Provoans that "We need to pray for our new president, regardless of party affliction, I mean, affiliation." Speaking on January 25th in the Provo Tabernacle at the conclusion of an Oak Hills (east Provo) Stake Conference, Apostle M. Russell Ballard spoke warmly of the inauguration, read excerpts from President Obama's inaugural address, advised members to read it, and said, "I like his emphasis on personal responsibility." The audience chuckled at the "affliction" slip, but was otherwise unusually hushed and attentive as Elder Ballard voiced his strong support for our the new Democratic President.

A front page article in the Deseret News of 22 January quoted Elder Ballard as saying, "I left with a feeling that the people of America are going to unite behind this new president and his administration and that we need to pray for him," … "We need to exercise our prayers and help him accomplish the great objectives that he has set."

Ballard and Uchtdorf at the Inauguration

President Monson said "We send our best wishes to President-elect Obama and pray for the blessings of a loving Father in Heaven to be upon him and his administration."

Comments

  1. kathyFebruary 3, 2009 at 11:13 AM

    I'm still so bummed that we missed that address—especially considering what we got in return. Guess that's just one more reason to be where I'm supposed to be.

    ReplyDelete
  2. CrystalFebruary 23, 2009 at 10:40 AM

    They want us to pray for him because the only thing that could make his administration somewhat decent is the grace of God :)

    PS NO JOKE That my word verification was mittr ... I'll leave that up to you to ponder :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. TrentonMarch 8, 2009 at 5:29 PM

    Praying for someone is a very different thing than supporting someone. We are, after all, commanded to pray for our enemies. Does it then follow that we support our enemies?

    I submit your confusion of terms is misleading.

    ReplyDelete
  4. ChristopherMarch 8, 2009 at 5:57 PM

    Trenton,

    As 'misleading' as my words may be, Ballard's are unequivocal:

    We need to pray for him "and help him accomplish the great objectives that he has set."

    ReplyDelete

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