Hindu cleric Rajan Zed turns toward protester as he prepares to open Senate with prayer (CNN)We wish to thank all of you who "prayed along with us" while we were quietly present in the Senate Visitors' Gallery yesterday to witness the first-ever opening prayer uttered by a Hindu cleric, Rajan Zed.
Although a "prayer" was indeed uttered, we want to assure you that YOUR PRAYERS MADE A DIFFERENCE!
First, it is noteworthy that, except for Senator Bob Casey, who had the Chair at the time, and Senator Harry Reid, who had invited Mr. Zed to offer that prayer, NO OTHER SENATORS WERE PRESENT IN THE CHAMBER AT THAT TIME.
Second, CNSNews had reported on June 26 that "Zed, a U.S. citizen originally from India, said he has not finalized the prayer but that it will likely quote Hindu scriptures including the Rig Veda, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita. He said he plans to start and end the prayers with "'OM,' the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work."
We are pleased to report today that the chanting "OM" syllable was not, indeed, ever uttered either before or after that prayer.
Third, as of today, the Congressional Record has NO RECORD of this prayer in writing.
Finally, we were grieved, as all of you were, that this prayer was even scheduled to be heard in our Senate Chamber, for we ARE "one nation under GOD" -- not "gods." But we FIRMLY BELIEVE that the power and authority of the Blood of Jesus cancels all sin and is well able to keep, protect, and cover us as we cry out in unity before our Lord.
God bless and keep you all, and may you have a wonderful weekend in Him!
Other Links: offered by CCNews
Are We still "one nation under GOD"?
One Nation Under God?
America's Providential History
Sara C. Ballenger,
Founder and President
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
