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by Dave Bohon
Imagine every Christian in Minnesota fervently praying on a daily basis for their elected officials. That’s the vision the Rev. Dan Hall has carried for the last several years and the mission that drives his state-wide organization, the Capitol Prayer Network. Hall, who pastored in the Twin Cities for 20 years, initiated the Capitol Prayer Network in 2001 as a vehicle to encourage Minnesotans to pray for their state lawmakers and governor. “Our desire is to see as many believers as possible on their knees daily crying out to the Lord for our government officials and the laws they are making, for judges to have discernment and wisdom from God, and for candidates to honor God in their speeches,” explained Hall. Hall has grown alarmed over the years as he has observed elected officials influenced by pressure from special interest groups and political expediencies, rather than wisdom and righteousness. “We believe that if we don’t unite together in prayer we’re going to see immorality legislated instead of the values that make for a healthy society,” he cautioned. Capitol Prayer Network’s most aggressive efforts over the past year have been at the State Capitol, with a core of committed believers praying for state legislators on a daily basis. “We have many groups and thousands of people praying for the legislators and for the bills that go through the legislative process,” Hall explained. “Some of these individuals and groups come to the Capitol to pray weekly and some pray from their homes. Wherever we are, we believe the Lord hears and responds as we cry out to Him.” Hall said the “Big Three” concerns that Capitol Prayer network has focused on most intently are abortion and protecting the unborn, traditional marriage and the proposed marriage defense amendment, and gambling. “Obviously, these aren’t the only important issues, but they certainly have a lot to do with the moral climate of our state,” Hall said. “We also spend a lot of time praying for issues concerning education, social welfare, and our prison system.” When legislation regarding any one of these issues comes to the forefront, Capitol Prayer Network sends out an e-mail-alert to its members, offering specifics on how they should pray. “Among other things, we pray for integrity in our government officials and that they are not swayed by pride, power, or fleshly desires,” said Hall. “We also pray that God will continue to bring forth men and women who will lead the citizens of this state in doing what’s right in His eyes no matter what the cost.” The Capitol Prayer Network regularly partners with churches and other organizations pursuing like-minded goals of integrity and morality in government and society. Two of its most consistent partners over the years have been the Minnesota Family Council (MFC) and its sister organization Minnesota For Marriage (MFM). “Both MFC and MFM send us prayer requests regarding their projects and legislation they are promoting,” explained Hall. “They inform us when there are critical events and meetings which need prayer.” On thing Hall has observed is that Christians generally are enthusiastic about prayer, but often lack direction in specifics they should pray about. “We have found at Capitol Prayer Network that we don’t need to tell Christians how to pray, but they appreciate having direction about how they should intercede,” explained Hall. He said it is crucial that more Christians begin to pray fervently for our state and nation. “I believe we are at an opportune time in American history when we as Christians must engage our culture with deliberate, Spirit-lead prayer,” he said. “This is how we will see the change we desire.” |
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Minnesota Family Council / Minnesota Family Institute 2855 Anthony Lane South, Minneapolis MN, 55418-3265 Phone 612.789.8811, FAX 612.789.8858, www.mfc.org |