Several days after Franklin Graham's assault on Duke University, it occurred to me to pray for him.
To add his name to my prayer journal - Forty Days of Prayer.
At the first thought, I said "no!"
Two days later, thought about it again, and this time, painfully wrote his name on one of my prayer pages.
A few days later, praying for him is a bit easier.
I must pray for him, as I must for my "enemies."
And enemy he is - standing foursquare contrary to everything I value, everything I seek in the name of Christ, everything for which I hope.
Yes, he's my enemy.
So, what do I pray for?
Nothing!
Who am I to specify anything to God on his behalf?
And I certainly will not pray for God to "change" him ... for I could only offer to God a few things that correspond to my set of values.
So, how do I pray?
I say Graham's name, and then say "Jesus my LORD," and note the date; I will do this for Forty Days ... or longer, as the Spirit leads.
Does this make me a "prayer warrior" or anything like that?
I doubt it.
Am I patting myself on the back?
Sort of.
As I see it, it's important, and it's good to pray for him, this way ... to offer him up to God, value-free, without prejudice, wish or desire, trusting God in the matter.
Four days into it, it was easier this morning to pray for Franklin Graham.
Jesus my LORD.
