Sexual Detox: Recommended Resources
Having wrapped up the Sexual Detox series, I thought it would be useful to provide a list of recommended resources for those who wish to do reading on a particular topic.
Pretty much every author who has written more than, say, ten books has written one on the Lord’s Prayer and one on either sex or marriage (or perhaps both). It seems to be some kind of rite of passage. I assume I’ll get a memo about it after I’ve written a few more books. So if you have a favorite author, you may want to check if he or she has written on the topic. Meanwhile, here are some other suggestions. I am relying mostly on books I have read, so the list is somewhat smaller than it would otherwise be.
First off, let me give special mention to the series of mini books published by New Growth Press on behalf of CCEF. Many of their titles are very relevant to this series. For example:
It’s All About Me: The Problem with Masturbation,
Sex Before Marriage: How Far is Too Far?,
Single and Lonely: Finding the Intimacy You Desire,
Help! My Spouse Committed Adultery: First Steps for Dealing with Betrayal, or Renewing Marital Intimacy: Closing the Gap Between You and Your Spouse.
You can learn more about the series from New Growth Press. They are all available through Amazon.
Sex Undefiled - Harry Schaumburg writes about finding redemption from sexual sin and seeks to help couples find restoration for breaking or broken relationships.
False Intimacy - Also by Harry Schaumburg, this book looks to the struggle of sexual addiction, including homosexuality, cybersex and so on.
Sex and the Supremacy of Christ - This book, edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor, is the product of a Desiring God conference so is a compendium of conference talks and other useful essays or articles. It is a bit of a grab bag but there is lots of good stuff.
Intended for Pleasure - This is a nuts and bolts kind of book that is often given to newlyweds to help them get “oriented” in the bedroom. Most couples who aren’t given one before they get married end up trying to track one down during their honeymoon.
Sexual Redemption Bundle - Monergism Books has bundled a whole lot of resources into one “sexual redemption bundle” based around Harry Schaumburg’s Undefiled.
Marriage
This Momentary Marriage - John Piper puts a lot of effort into writing about the link between the union of husband and wife and the union of Christ to his church.
When Sinners Say ‘I Do’ - Dave Harvey’s book is a really good one for the newly married as it deals honestly with the inevitability of sin.
The Intimate Marriage - R.C. Sproul focuses on communication as key to a great marriage. His chapter on Communication and Sex deals with unusual topics like frigidity, impotence and what is permissible within marriage.
Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis has only a couple of chapters dealing with sex and marriage but they are top-notch. You’ve probably got the book somewhere, so pull it out and read those chapters.
A Biblical Guide to Love, Sex and Marriage - Derek and Rosemary Thomas wrote this book on sex and marriage based on Song of Solomon.
Love that Lasts - Gary and Betsy Ricucci cover a wide range of marriage-related topics in this book, one of the better ones I’ve read on marriage.
Men, Sex Is Not the Problem, Lust Is - This book, by Josh Harris, is great reading for any man, married or single. I’ve read it on my own and read it as part of a men’s group. In both cases it was well worth it.
Sex, Romance and the Glory of God - C.J. Mahaney does a good job of challenging men to be godly husbands. The enduring wisdom here is never to touch your wife’s body until you’ve touched her heart and her mind.
Women Feminine Appeal - Carolyn Mahaney writes a book for women in which she challenges them on a host of issues related to love, sex and marriage.
Becoming the Woman of His Dreams - I haven’t done more than skimmed this one, but this one by Sharon Jaynes comes highly recommended by Aileen. I found Jaynes particularly strong in her description of how men perceive sex and its importance to them.
Web Sites
CCEF - Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation offers counseling and excellent resources on any number of issues (including the New Growth Press titles mentioned earlier).
Boundless - Targeted at Christian singles and young adults, Boundless features all kinds of great resources in their blog and webzine.
Stone Gate Resources - At Stone Gate Resources offers Brief Intensive Counseling for couples who are in need of intensive and immediate help. If your marriage is on the rocks due to sex-related issues, this is a good place to seek help.
Source:
Sexual Detox: Recommended Resources Tim Challies
Comments (10) »
1. Devin
October 31, 2009
10:20 AM
So glad “Every Man’s Battle” is not on the list. That book was entirely unhelpful for me.
2. Nick Hill
October 31, 2009
10:34 AM
Tim,
Did you read Pure Sex by Philiip Jensen and Tony Payne (Matthias Media)? Was it helpful? I thought that I would see it on the list.
Nick
3. Anonymous
October 31, 2009
10:39 AM
Tim, I know it’s been said before - but thank you for writing this series. It is providentially timely. I saw and investigated an original ad for Undefiled on your blog site. I have been very impressed with Stone Gate Resources. These articles of yours and finding out about Stone Gate have felt like they are intended as God’s provision for my ex-fiance and me as we struggle to rebuild a relationship that has been deeply impacted by the fall-out of these patterns of sin; established in a pre-redeemed life - and still bearing “fruit.”
I have passed the articles on to my ex-fiance and talked much about the hope for restoration/obedience from an intensive Bible-centered program like Stone Gates. There has been resistance to recognizing the depth of the problem, and continuing denial of the extent of the taint and damage, and the need for more than just “God and me” to break the bondage and bring real change. I have struggled with feeling hopeless and helpless to do anything more to break the legacy of pain and death. I have presented. “All” I can do now is pray that the Holy Spirit will work mightily - recognizing that He desires obedience in this area more than I ever can - and promises to “will and to do for His good pleasure.”
4. Brother Eugene
October 31, 2009
11:33 AM
Great list of resources!
One more just came to mind that I wanted to share:
In “The Four Loves” by C.S. Lewis, the chapter about the love of “eros” is also a helpful one regarding sex and marriage.
5. Bob
October 31, 2009
1:09 PM
Another great book on marriage is “Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas. The message that marriage is not so much about our happiness as it is about our holiness is one that our culture needs to hear.
6. Ricky
October 31, 2009
6:08 PM
This was a great, thought-provoking, and helpful series. I really needed this, so thanks!
I just wanted to add that a few of the Piper books you recommend (including the ones listed in the Sexual Redemption Bundle) are available for free PDF download from his website, www.desiringgod.org, on the http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/OnlineBooks/ByTitle/ page. You’ll find “Sex and the Supremacy of Christ”, “Finally Alive”, “This Momentary Marriage”, “What Jesus Demands from the World”, and “What’s the Difference?” available.
Of course, nothing beats actual paper. :P
7. Jerry Sinclair, Marriage Missionary for Faithful & True of Jacksonville, FL USA
October 31, 2009
9:47 PM
Tim,
I came across your website & I am very impressed with your credentials & desire to speak the truth. Allow me to do the same in love after I quote you:
“…And yet today I can say that pornography does not interest me in the least. God delivered me from the desire to indulge. I can understand your struggles and also assure you that it is possible to find freedom.”
Tim, I am aware of the struggle of lust & I relate to the writings of the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:15ff. My 15 years of recovery was not an easy journey. I cringe slightly from the subject of “being delivered”. I relate the verbage to certain religious groups that want to “name it, claim it” or “Proclaim victory now in the name of Jesus Christ”. The men I work with ‘know’ for sure that they are never imune from temptation. They live one day at a time.
The few that have departed our program because they no longer had a problem were not able to explain why their wife was still filing for divorce… OR not shared their sinful behavior with parents, siblings or age appropiate children.
Our Christ-centered support groups challenge men to live a life of purity while examining other sinful defects of character. Thus, this can be a lifelong journey towards purity. We follow Scripture along the way & use a workbook written by dr. Mark Laaser. He & his wife have written several books about sexual addiction, recovery, spouse recovery, spritual abuse, etc. I encourage you & others to visit his website www.faithfulandtrueministries.com
8. Anonymous
November 1, 2009
12:11 AM
As a student in the MS in counseling program at PBU, I have had to read a lot of books on marriage and sex, a few good ones:
-Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, brings the focus back to God after disillusionment with marriage… it is a very good book, particularily if the couple is having problems in their marriage.
- Hold Me Tight, seven conversations for a lifetime of love: not a christian book, but a really good book that teaches couples how to have good conversations
- I Surrender All: Rebuilding a Marriage Broken by Pornography by Clay Crosse- this is a book written by a famous christian musician about the struggle of pornography in his own marriage.
9. Philip
November 1, 2009
1:10 AM
My wife and I separated in the spring of 2008, with divorce likely. I attended Stone Gate BIC (Brief Intensive Counseling),and God used Dr. Schaumburg and Stone Gate mightily in my life as God worked to change me from the heart out. After over a year of separation, we are together again, and I think it is safe to say that no one who knew our situation would have believed it possible for true reconciliation to happen. I would highly, highly recommend it for any couple devastated by the consequences of sexual sin to consider Stone Gate BIC, as well as his book “Undefiled” and the corresponding workbook .
10. Brian
November 1, 2009
5:13 AM
Tim:
Great series; thank you.
May I recommend a biblical counseling website that is perfect for anyone struggling with sexual sin? http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com is an outstanding resource based on nouthetic counseling and biblical solutions, not worldy psychology. I have mentored with them and they are solid.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Conclusive Scientific Evidence That Homosexuality is Treatable
I am pleased to announce that the U.S.-based National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) has just released its long-awaited comprehensive review of over 125 years of scientific research on homosexuality. This groundbreaking report, “What Research Shows,” dispels the myths that are commonly used to promote the legalization of same-sex marriage and the mainstreaming of homosexuality throughout society and in the public schools by force of law.
NARTH is a professional association of scientists and mental health professionals whose stated mission is to conduct and disseminate scientific research on homosexuality, promote effective treatment, and to protect the right of individuals with unwanted same-sex attraction to receive effective care. While one might think that such a mission would be viewed as both commendable and relatively non-controversial, the reality is just the opposite.
Homosexual activists try to suppress research on same-sex attraction because one of the pillars of homosexual advocacy is the falsehood that homosexuals are “born that way” and cannot change their orientation. Since the NARTH report proves that homosexuality can be changed through therapy in the same way conditions like alcoholism and other addictions can be changed, the whole case for mainstreaming homosexuality into society crumbles. Another myth the NARTH report disproves is that therapy to help people with unwanted same-sex attraction is ineffective and even harmful.
The extensive research and clinical experience reviewed by NARTH makes it clear even to a layman that these claims are false.
Homosexual activists spread these misconceptions about homosexuality and even persecute their own who seek treatment because they know that public opinion polls show that people who believe homosexuals are born that way are more likely to support the homosexual agenda. NARTH is one of the very few credible, professional organizations anywhere in the world that is successfully challenging this propaganda.
Specifically, the NARTH report substantiates the following conclusions:
1. There is substantial evidence that sexual orientation may be changed through reorientation therapy.
“Treatment success for clients seeking to change unwanted homosexuality and develop their heterosexual potential has been documented in the professional and research literature since the late 19th century. ...125 years of clinical and scientific reports which document those professionally-assisted and other attempts at volitional change from homosexuality toward heterosexuality has been successful for many and that such change continues to be possible for those who are motivated to try.”
2. Efforts to change sexual orientation have not been shown to be consistently harmful or to regularly lead to greater self-hatred, depression, and other self-destructive behaviors.
“We acknowledge that change in sexual orientation may be difficult to attain. As with other difficult challenges and behavioral patterns—such as low-self-esteem, abuse of alcohol, social phobias, eating disorders, or borderline personality disorder, as well as sexual compulsions and addictions—change through therapy does not come easily.”
“We conclude that the documented benefits of reorientation therapy—and the lack of its documented general harmfulness—support its continued availability to clients who exercise their right of therapeutic autonomy and self-determination through ethically informed consent.”
The NARTH report warns that “The limited body of clinical reports that claim that harm is possible—if not probable— if a person simply attempts to change typically were written by gay activist professionals.”
3. There is significantly greater medical, psychological, and relational pathology in the homosexual population than the general population.
“Researchers have shown that medical, psychological and relationship pathology within the homosexual community is more prevalent than within the general population. …In some cases, homosexual men are at greater risk than homosexual women and heterosexual men, while in other cases homosexual women are more at risk than homosexual men and heterosexual women. …Overall, many of these problematic behaviors and psychological dysfunctions are experienced among homosexuals at about three times the prevalence found in the general population—and sometimes much more. …We believe that no other group of comparable size in society experiences such intense and widespread pathology.”
You can read NARTH’s executive summary of the report on our Web site here.
Good public policy cannot be based on lies, misconceptions and fallacies. That is why it is essential that we do all we can to spread the information in the NARTH report far and wide, but especially that we get it into the hands of legislators and policymakers around the world. Because of a political agenda, thousands of people around the world with unwanted same sex-attraction are being denied the help and the basic facts about their affliction.
In light of the clear health problems the report documents, homosexual activists are putting many lives at even greater risk by suppressing the truth about unwanted same-sex attraction. We hope you will join us in spreading this information far and wide.
Sincerely,
Sharon Slater
President
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The ethical and moral quagmire we are speeding into
Congressman Christopher H. Smith outlines the challenges facing America today. A very perceptive address worth reading.
Recommended!
click here
Recommended!
click here
Monday, March 30, 2009
UNDERSTANDING OUR CULTURE
Our relativistic culture is pressing mightily on us. We need to understand the process in order to remain counter-cultural principled lights in consensual darkness.
LISTEN TO THE VIDEO (below): very revealing.
LISTEN TO THE VIDEO (below): very revealing.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
GLOBAL WARMING: a religion
U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works :: Minority Page :.
Source: epw.senate.gov
IN CASE YOU ARE A BELIEVER IN "GLOBAL WARMING", HERE IS THE DOCUMENT.
U. S. Senate Minority Report:
More Than 650 International Scientists Dissent Over Man-Made Global Warming Claims
Scientists Continue to Debunk “Consensus” in 2008
Update: January 28, 2009: James Hansen's Former NASA Supervisor Declares Himself a Skeptic - Says Climate Fears "Embarrassed NASA"
Update: December 22, 2008: 11 More Scientists Join Senate Report
WE NEED TO BE SKEPTICAL OF THE LEFTIST AGENDA.
U. S. Senate Minority Report:
More Than 650 International Scientists Dissent Over Man-Made Global Warming Claims
Scientists Continue to Debunk “Consensus” in 2008
Update: January 28, 2009: James Hansen's Former NASA Supervisor Declares Himself a Skeptic - Says Climate Fears "Embarrassed NASA"
Update: December 22, 2008: 11 More Scientists Join Senate Report
WE NEED TO BE SKEPTICAL OF THE LEFTIST AGENDA.
Monday, February 16, 2009
This 12 year old has something important to say:
She did win the best speaker award in her (Toronto) school but was disqualified because of the politically incorrect subject. (Freedom of speech in Canada!)
The video of 12-year Lia's presentation on abortion is amazing. This young girl puts most of the rest of us to shame. She is so confident, so logical and unapologetic as she defends what all people should understand is the most reasonable position in the world. Of course abortion is wrong. Even a child can figure that out. How could anyone think otherwise - and yet, many do.
In Canada, full term babies may be aborted as long as the doctor, at the birth, can prevent the baby from taking its first breath. If the baby breathes, it is murder, before that it is abortion. President Obama has attempted to have this legalized in Illinois, and vowed to promote it if he was elected.
The video below shows, using a doll, how the "procedure" is done.
The video of 12-year Lia's presentation on abortion is amazing. This young girl puts most of the rest of us to shame. She is so confident, so logical and unapologetic as she defends what all people should understand is the most reasonable position in the world. Of course abortion is wrong. Even a child can figure that out. How could anyone think otherwise - and yet, many do.
In Canada, full term babies may be aborted as long as the doctor, at the birth, can prevent the baby from taking its first breath. If the baby breathes, it is murder, before that it is abortion. President Obama has attempted to have this legalized in Illinois, and vowed to promote it if he was elected.
The video below shows, using a doll, how the "procedure" is done.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Marriage, Same sex "marriage' , Polygamy
Edmonton Journal - January 17, 2009
Polygamy case shows marriage matters
By Walt Brouwer
Unless you secluded yourself from any and all media outlets recently, you won't have been able to miss the news that, finally, after almost two decades of allegations of polygamy, sexual abuse, exploitation of children, and the trafficking of teenage brides across the Canada-U.S. border, Winston Blackmore of Bountiful, B.C., has been arrested on charges of polygamy. As the leader of a religious cult called the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Blackmore defends polygamy as an article of his faith. Polygamists present a serious constitutional challenge, which may explain why B.C.'s attorney general waited so long to arrest Blackmore. With the approval of gay marriage, the boundaries of what constitutes marriage have been seriously blurred.
The re-emergence of the crisis in defining marriage provides an opportunity to remind ourselves as Christians what marriage is and why. As a Christian, I understand that marriage is founded on the biblical account of the creation of man and woman in Genesis 1 and 2, and Jesus' affirmation of this account in Matthew 19. Christians therefore define marriage as the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all others.
It is important to recognize, however, that this understanding of marriage is not restricted to Christianity. After an extensive study of the world's cultures and religions, Dr. Katherine Young of McGill University in Montreal affirmed that all the world's major religions, and all cultures and societies have from time immemorial recognized marriage as the union of male and female. Of gay relationships she says, "'Same-sex marriage' is an oxymoron, because it lacks the universal, or defining, feature of marriage according to religious, historical, and anthropological evidence."
Thus, marriage is not unique to Christianity and not just a religious institution; it has been recognized by all societies. Marriage is a social, cultural as well as a religious institution, and the relationship upon which human society is founded. This is why up until recently marriage has been recognized in law and public policy as the voluntary union between one male and one female. This historic and universal understanding of marriage means that it predates both the dominion of Canada and English common law upon which most of our legal system is based. Governments and the courts are not the creators of marriage; it is not a legal institution enacted by law.
Marriage is rooted in the way we are created. It is based upon the biological reality that humanity exists in two sexes. Marriage expresses the complementary nature of the sexes and thus it requires both sexes. Yet marriage is more than sexual - it creates out of two persons one unique entity (becoming "one flesh," Genesis 2:24). Marriage is the supreme form of heterosexual bonding. Marriage also is procreative even though it cannot be reduced to this, for marriage is possible between a man and a woman who choose not to or cannot procreate (due to infertility or old age).
When Canada became the fourth nation in the world on July 20, 2005, to legalize same-sex marriages, gay couples already enjoyed legal protection as civil partnerships. Since marriage has been redefined to accommodate such relationships, the question before the courts today is, what about polygamy? The reason we define something is to preserve its unique distinctions and essence. If Canadian courts continue to redefine marriage, what other domestic relationship is next? This is why marriage should continue to be legally defined as the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all others.
Rev. Dr. Walt Brouwer is the lead pastor at Bethel Community Church, a Christian Reformed congregation in northeast Edmonton.
Polygamy case shows marriage matters
By Walt Brouwer
Unless you secluded yourself from any and all media outlets recently, you won't have been able to miss the news that, finally, after almost two decades of allegations of polygamy, sexual abuse, exploitation of children, and the trafficking of teenage brides across the Canada-U.S. border, Winston Blackmore of Bountiful, B.C., has been arrested on charges of polygamy. As the leader of a religious cult called the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Blackmore defends polygamy as an article of his faith. Polygamists present a serious constitutional challenge, which may explain why B.C.'s attorney general waited so long to arrest Blackmore. With the approval of gay marriage, the boundaries of what constitutes marriage have been seriously blurred.
The re-emergence of the crisis in defining marriage provides an opportunity to remind ourselves as Christians what marriage is and why. As a Christian, I understand that marriage is founded on the biblical account of the creation of man and woman in Genesis 1 and 2, and Jesus' affirmation of this account in Matthew 19. Christians therefore define marriage as the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all others.
It is important to recognize, however, that this understanding of marriage is not restricted to Christianity. After an extensive study of the world's cultures and religions, Dr. Katherine Young of McGill University in Montreal affirmed that all the world's major religions, and all cultures and societies have from time immemorial recognized marriage as the union of male and female. Of gay relationships she says, "'Same-sex marriage' is an oxymoron, because it lacks the universal, or defining, feature of marriage according to religious, historical, and anthropological evidence."
Thus, marriage is not unique to Christianity and not just a religious institution; it has been recognized by all societies. Marriage is a social, cultural as well as a religious institution, and the relationship upon which human society is founded. This is why up until recently marriage has been recognized in law and public policy as the voluntary union between one male and one female. This historic and universal understanding of marriage means that it predates both the dominion of Canada and English common law upon which most of our legal system is based. Governments and the courts are not the creators of marriage; it is not a legal institution enacted by law.
Marriage is rooted in the way we are created. It is based upon the biological reality that humanity exists in two sexes. Marriage expresses the complementary nature of the sexes and thus it requires both sexes. Yet marriage is more than sexual - it creates out of two persons one unique entity (becoming "one flesh," Genesis 2:24). Marriage is the supreme form of heterosexual bonding. Marriage also is procreative even though it cannot be reduced to this, for marriage is possible between a man and a woman who choose not to or cannot procreate (due to infertility or old age).
When Canada became the fourth nation in the world on July 20, 2005, to legalize same-sex marriages, gay couples already enjoyed legal protection as civil partnerships. Since marriage has been redefined to accommodate such relationships, the question before the courts today is, what about polygamy? The reason we define something is to preserve its unique distinctions and essence. If Canadian courts continue to redefine marriage, what other domestic relationship is next? This is why marriage should continue to be legally defined as the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all others.
Rev. Dr. Walt Brouwer is the lead pastor at Bethel Community Church, a Christian Reformed congregation in northeast Edmonton.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Prayer for President Obama by Albert Mohler
A Prayer for President Obama
Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 2:00 am ET |  |
We know that you and you alone are sovereign; that you rule over all, and that you alone are able to keep and defend us. We know that our times are in your hands, and that "the king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord" [Proverbs 21:1]. Our confidence is in you and in you alone. We come before you as a people who acknowledge our constant need for your provision, wisdom, and protection.
Father, we pray today for Barack Obama as he takes office as President of the United States. We pray that you will show the glory of your name in our times and in these days, confounding the wisdom of the wise, thwarting the plans of the arrogant, and vindicating those who do justice and practice righteousness.
Father, we pray with thanksgiving for the gift of government and the grace of civic order. Thank you for giving us rulers and for knowing our need for laws and ordered life together. Thank you for this nation and the blessings we know as its citizens. Thank you for freedoms unprecedented in human history. We understand that these freedoms come with unprecedented opportunities.
Lord, we pray with thanksgiving for the joy and celebration reflected on millions of faces who never expected to look to the President of the United States and see a person who looks like themselves. Father, thank you for preserving this nation to the moment when an African-American citizen will take the oath of office and become our President. Thank you for the hope this has given to so many, the pride emerging in hearts that had known no such hope, and the pride that comes to a people who have experienced such pain at the hands of fellow citizens, simply because of the color of their skin. Father, we rejoice in every elderly face that reflects such long-sought satisfaction and in every young face that expresses such unrestrained joy. May this become an open door for a vision of race and human dignity that reflects your glory in our differences, and not our corruption of your gift.
Father, protect this president, we pray. We pray that you will surround this president and his family, along with all our leaders, with your protection and sustenance. May he be protected from evil acts and evil intentions, and may his family be protected from all evil and harm.
We pray that the Obama family will be drawn together as they move into the White House, and that they will know great joy in their family life. We are thankful for the example Barack and Michelle Obama have set as parents. Father, protect those precious girls in every way -- including the protection of their hearts as they see their father often criticized and as he is away from them on business of state. May their years in the White House bring them all even closer together.
Father, we pray for the safety and security of this nation, even as our new president settles into his role as Commander in Chief. We know that you and you alone can be our defense. We do not place our trust in horses or chariots, and we pray that you will give this president wisdom as he fulfills this vital responsibility.
Father, grant him wisdom in every dimension of his vast responsibility. Grant him wisdom to deal with a global financial crisis and with the swirling complex of vexing problems and challenges at home and abroad. May he inspire this nation to a higher vision for our common life together, to a higher standard of justice, righteousness, unity, and the tasks of citizenship.
Father, we pray that you will change this president's heart and mind on issues of urgent concern. We are so thankful for his gifts and talents, for his intellect and power of influence. Father, bend his heart to see the dignity and sanctity of every single human life, from the moment of conception until natural death. Father, lead him to see abortion, not as a matter of misconstrued rights, but as a murderous violation of the right to life. May he come to see every aborted life as a violation of human dignity and every abortion as an abhorrent blight upon this nation's moral witness. May he pledge himself to protect every human life at every stage of development. He has declared himself as an energetic defender of abortion rights, and we fear that his election will lead directly to the deaths of countless unborn human beings. Protect us from this unspeakable evil, we pray. Most urgently, we pray that you will bring the reign of abortion to an end, even as you are the defender of the defenseless.
Father, may this new president see that human dignity is undermined when human embryos are destroyed in the name of medical progress, and may he see marriage as an institution that is vital to the very survival of civilization. May he protect all that is right and good. Father, change his heart where it must be changed, and give him resolve where his heart is right before you.
Father, when we face hard days ahead -- when we find ourselves required by conscience to oppose this president within the bounds of our roles as citizens -- may we be granted your guidance to do so with a proper spirit, with a proper demeanor, and with persuasive arguments. May we learn anew how to confront without demonizing, and to oppose without abandoning hope.
Father, we are aware that our future is in your hands, and we are fully aware that you and you alone will judge the nations. Much responsibility is now invested in President Barack Obama, and much will be required. May we, as Christian citizens, also fulfill what you would require of us. Even as we pray for you to protect this president and change his heart, we also pray that your church will be protected and that you will conform our hearts to your perfect will.
Father, we pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, the ever-reigning once and future King, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He and he alone can save, and his kingdom is forever. Above all, may your great name be praised. Amen.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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