Is God Honored by Partisan Prayers?

By Shane Vander Hart, CP Guest Contributor Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Pastor Mark Burns delivering opening prayer at Republican National Convention, Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 2016. | (Photo: screengrab, C-Span)

Pastor Mark Burns of South Carolina gave the benediction for the afternoon session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Burns is pastor of the Harvest Praise & Worship Center in Easley, SC and founder and CEO of The NOW Television Network. He is also a proponent of the prosperity gospel which will probably become evident when you watch his "benediction."

Do we honor God through our partisan prayers?

I would submit no.

This is simply disturbing. This is a prime example of politics corrupting faith. Prayers should NEVER be partisan.

Also, this claim that Trump believes in the name of Jesus … What exactly does he mean by that? That he is saved? What fruit? What evidence? By Trump's own admission he has never asked God for forgiveness so how in the world could one claim he has repented of his sin?

Then to assume God is leading Donald Trump and speaking through Trump, as well as, to call Hillary Clinton our enemy. Pastor, our enemies are not made out of flesh and blood.

This prayer made me want to throw up in my mouth.

Pastor Mark Burns delivers the benediction at the #GOPConvention #RNCinCLE https://t.co/pJ2gRD7i7X
— CSPAN (@cspan) July 18, 2016

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts. He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media communications consulting/management firm. He is a communications director for American Principles Project's Preserve Innocence Initiative. Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings.