Pray for Marriage

Two interesting articles with differing views on this matter:
 

The Bible and Homosexuality

Christianity Columnist Steve Chalke calls for a new Christian understanding of homosexual relationships

The government has announced that extending marriage to same-sex couples will ensure the ancient institution ‘is relevant for our century.’ Marriage, however, predates both state and Church – it belongs to neither of them. All of which means there are some extremely complex and controversial discussions to be had about same-sex marriage – which our society will do well to reflect on before rushing to premature decisions.

http://www.christianitymagazine.co.uk/sexuality/stevechalke.aspx

 

The Bible & Homosexuality: a response to Steve Chalke

A response to Steve Chalke's article in Christianity magazine.

Statement from Steve Clifford, general director, Evangelical Alliance:

Steve Chalke is a friend of mine. We go back many years. I am convinced that when the history of the Church in the UK is written, Steve's contribution over the last 25 years will be recognised as profoundly significant. So with this as a backdrop I am writing my response to Steve's article in Christianity magazine. While I understand and respect Steve's pastoral motivations, I believe the conclusions he has come to on same-sex relationships are wrong.

http://www.eauk.org/church/stories/the-bible-and-homosexuality.cfm



I’m (Steve Clifford) writing to ask for your prayers, as we’re about to enter a crucial period in the campaign to defend the historic meaning of marriage.

Can you also encourage your church to join with other Christians across the country in a day of prayer for marriage on Sunday 3 February?

The government has published its bill which seeks to redefine marriage.

But the bill can’t become law unless it is backed by parliament – and that is by no means a foregone conclusion.

The government may very well say that people who believe in historic marriage have nothing to worry about. But we’re not convinced their proposed protections will work. Just last week, European judges failed to protect registrar Lillian Ladele’s beliefs about marriage by ruling that she couldn’t opt out of civil partnership ceremonies.

On 5 February, MPs will have their first opportunity to debate and vote on the bill at what’s called the second reading stage – a crucial moment for the whole campaign.

We don’t need an outright win at this stage – so don’t worry if the bill passes this first hurdle – but it is important that as many MPs as possible vote no.

A healthy no vote, even if it’s not an outright majority, will put added pressure on the government to drop its plans to redefine marriage.

So that’s why we are asking for your prayers. Please pray:

• That marriage will not be redefined, and that it will be promoted in society for the good of all.
• That as many MPs as possible will vote against the bill to redefine marriage. 
• For the Coalition for Marriage group as it campaigns to defend the historic meaning of marriage. 
• For politicians and others in public life to have the courage to stand up for their conviction. 
• For the news media, that they would report the issue widely, fairly, and accurately. 
• That the consequences of redefining marriage would be publicly known and properly discussed. 
• That people would not face discrimination, in the workplace or elsewhere, because of their sincere beliefs about marriage.

 

Open prayer is encouraged, but this written prayer may also be of help:

 

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the gift of marriage which you established at the dawn of time, to be a blessing for all generations throughout the earth, down through the ages.

We pray that you would fill each and every marriage with your love and grace, and that every husband and wife would know the joy that comes from sharing and giving.

We thank you for establishing marriage to be a secure and stable environment for raising children.

We pray for all those who do not enjoy those blessings, remembering that you are a father to the orphan and a husband to the widow.

We pray, as you have commanded us, for those in positions of civil authority.

We pray that our government will act with wisdom and righteousness, upholding marriage as the voluntary union of one man to one woman for life, for the good of all people.

We pray for our nation, as our government seeks to redefine marriage. We pray that these plans would fail.

And we pray for ourselves, that we would speak out in support of marriage with gentleness and kindness, but also with courage and confidence.

In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord we pray. Amen.

Yours with respect and appreciation,

 

Steve Clifford, general director
Evangelical Alliance



Sources:
http://www.eauk.org
http://www.christianitymagazine.co.uk