Are you afraid to pray in public?

On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry uttered a phrase which is remembered even today and quoted often. What did it mean to him?

Here is the first paragraph of the speech in which it was uttered:

 “No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.”  

Where are the Patrick Henrys of today?

We have become so politically correct that we don’t speak our mind, especially when it comes to 1) love of our country and 2) love of God, belief in Jesus Christ as His only begotten Son and the Holy Spirit of God which operates in our life every day.

Learned scholars translated, from the original Greek and Hebrew transcripts, words written long ago, the inspired Word of God. John Wycliffs first translation from the Latin to English so infuriated the Roman Church that 44 years after Wycliff’s death the Pope had his body dug up, his bones smashed into powder and scattered in the river! 

In the Book of Martyrs, I read the account of 7 people who were burned at the stake for teaching their children the Lord’s Prayer in the English language.

Living in our America should mean we have the right to disagree, to have religious and political differences, without having bloodshed.

My own ancestors were slaughtered, burned at the stake, skinned alive, herded into the desert tied to each other, without food or water, and with bare feet on the burning sand. They were ordered to march, as the weaker ones began to die they were not allowed to cut them loose, but had to drag the decaying bodies along, fighting off the vultures that came for a meal of Armenian Christian.  

We cannot become placid and let others tell us what to believe or think. You must KNOW what is right and wrong, not buy into the mentality of if it feels good do it, or if it doesn’t harm anyone but you, then what difference does it make?

Put the wax of the Word in your ears so that you don’t hear the Siren’s song, which is an enticing plea or appeal, especially one that is so deceptively alluring, that it will lead us as a country down the garden path to destruction.

Read your scriptures, learn your rights as a citizen, be responsible… and remember these words from the rest of Patrick Henry’s speech: 

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

No one would have believed that our right to pray in school, or before a ball game would be challenged and denied us… is that the freedom our ancestors fought for? It’s on its way dear reader, believe it…it is riding toward us at breakneck speed…pray for our country and guard your family with prayer, don’t be quiet until you are silenced in death. Amen.