Perry Eschews Politics At Prayer Rally

06 August 2011

Those who attended The Response anticipating a Republican/Tea Party pep rally got something decidedly different. Although the event drew three state governors — all of them conservative Republicans — none used their platform to promote personal politics.
                             Photo By Patrick Butler/ResonateNews.com

HOUSTON — Those who attended The Response anticipating a Republican/Tea Party pep rally got something decidedly different. Although the event drew three state governors — all of them conservative Republicans — none used their platform to promote personal politics.

Perry called for the event in April, citing the need for God's restoration of a nation facing difficulties that only God can resolve. He invited the governors from the remaining 49 states, yet Gov. Sam Brownback of Kansas and Gov. Rick Scott of Florida were the only ones to accept the invitation.

Scott was unable to be in Houston for the event and gave a minute-long speech by video instead.

“We can all agree our nation faces tough challenges and we need God's help,” Scott said. “I learned to lean on Jesus Christ as a child, thanks to my mother's lessons. Since then, I have relied on prayer. I am grateful and proud that we live in a country where we have the right to live, pray and worship as we choose.”

He called on Americans to pray for wisdom for the nation's leaders, a statement echoed by the other two governors.

“God hears your prayers, and our nation needs it,” Brownback said.

He prayed that God would forgive the nation for being judgmental, unloving, self-centered and lacking in mercy.

“Help us to be humble in spirit as a testament to your nature. Heal our land by your mercy and grace,” Brownback said. “Forgive us for looking so much for your blessings instead of just looking for you.”

Gov. Perry was perhaps the most anticipated speaker on Saturday. Pundits and the media speculated about whether he would use the opportunity to launch a presidential bid. But on Saturday, Perry left his personal politics in Austin. He made no mention of running for president, and even went so far as to say that God is not interested in politics — just people's hearts.

“His agenda is not a political agenda; His agenda is a salvation agenda,” Perry told the audience. “He is a wise God, wise enough not to be affiliated with any political party — wise enough not to be affiliated with any man-made institutions. He’s calling all Americans, of all walks of life, to seek him, to return to him, to experience his love and his grace and his acceptance, experience a fulfilled life regardless of the circumstances.”

Perry's message was a gospel message, and a message of restoration of the church back into God's will.

“We know that there is hope for those who trust in him who fills our hearts with joy and gives us life,” Perry said. “This God who knows our imperfections, he didn’t leave us to live a life in our sins, but he paid the price for them. He who knew no sin, he gave his life in ransom for me. This loving and perfect God is also a personal God. He desires not a show of religion, but a deep connection with our innermost being.”

He urged Americans to repent before God, saying repentance is the only way to see restoration in the nation. He quoted from Joel 2:12-17, in which God promises his people that he will withhold is otherwise imminent judgement if only his people return to him.

“He relents from sending calamity,” Perry said. “Who knows — maybe he will relent and send a blessing.”

He also read passages from Isaiah 40:28-31 and Ephesians 3:14-21, passages that echo the promise of restoration to the church and any nation that repents of its sin and puts its trust in God alone.

Perry finished his talk with a prayer for America:

“Lord, you are the source of every good thing, you are our only hope. And we stand before you today in awe of your power, and in gratitude for your blessings, in humility for our sins. Father our heart breaks for America. We see discord at home. We see fear in the marketplace. We see angers in the halls of government. And as a nation we have forgotten who made us, who protects us, who blesses us, and for that we cry out for your forgiveness. We pray for our nation’s leaders, Lord, for parents, for pastors, for the generals, for governors, that you would inspire them in these difficult times. Father we pray for our president, that you would impart your wisdom upon him, that you would guard his family. We pray for our military and the families who love them. Father especially, for those special operators who lost their life yesterday in defending our freedoms. You call us to repent, Lord, and this day is our response. We give it all to you. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. And amen.”