Honoring Marriage for the Good of All
Lenten Prayer for the Perry vs. Schwarzenegger case
‘As You have shown us mercy, O God, in the desert places of our lives, would You show mercy to the beleaguered state of marriage in the USA? As the Perry vs. Schw. case wends its way to the National Supreme Court, prepare for Yourself a victory. We shall render to Caesar what is Caesar’s but we shall prayerfully fight for what is Yours, O God. Prepare the hearts of each justice, especially Justice Anthony Kennedy, to uphold marriage according to Your merciful design. Remember mercy, O God.’
Please see Andy's Blog,
Life in the Desert: Lenten Reflections, for thoughts on the power of God's mercy.
The Roe vs. Wade of 'gay marriage' is currently underway
The Roe vs. Wade of ‘gay marriage’ has concluded its presentation of evidence. As you recall, Perry vs. Schwarzenegger is the first federal court case in which two gay couples are challenging CA’s now constitutional law (thanks to Prop. 8) that defines marriage as solely heterosexual.
Underscore federal: the couples are drawing upon the US Constitution, not CA’s, as the basis for their complaint. Their obvious goal is a ruling from the US Supreme Court.
For 2 and one-half weeks, the plaintiffs pulled out all the stops by insisting that voters acted irrationally by refusing gays marriage. Often tearfully, witnesses testified of the harm done to them by Prop. 8, insisted that marriage is a fundamental right regardless of gender, and that no harm, only help, would be done to society if gays married.
This series of rather sensational and dramatic testimonies (including a giddy account of lesbian infatuation) was followed by the defense’s terse two and one-half day presentation. General Counsel Andrew Pugno summarized it best:
‘We have shown that limiting marriage to its longstanding definition is rational because marriage benefits children, not just adults. Whenever possible, it is best for a child to have both a mother and a father. And man-woman marriage is the only human relationship that can serve that distinctive purpose. A same-sex relationship can never offer a child both a mother and a father. It is that simple.’
Nevertheless, the brevity of the defense rested not on the merits or liabilities of ‘gay marriage’ but rather on whether the people have a right to decide what is best. (While leading the nation in granting generous legal benefits to gays, CA citizens have voted twice to define marriage decisively as solely heterosexual.)
Pugno amusingly defines the plaintiffs’ ‘spectacular show-trial’ as ‘irrelevant evidence’ because they failed to show any actual legal support for the claim that the US constitution contains the right to homosexual marriage.
‘The courtroom is simply not the proper forum for what is clearly a social, not a legal, appeal.’ To the defense, defining marriage is a social issue that belongs squarely in the hands of voters.
What happens next? Chief Judge Walker will study the evidence before hearing final arguments, probably in March. He will then make his decision.
Prayer is vital, as we have seen in every battle for marriage. Yet this case is uniquely important. Regardless of Walker’s ruling, (and if you recall, he has disadvantaged the defense at every turn, so much so that Prop. 8 defendants dropped out for fear of harassment and retribution) both sides have vowed to appeal to the National Supreme Court, thus settling the question of marriage on a national level.
We all have grieved the effects of ‘Roe vs. Wade. We must pray today that Perry vs. Schwarzenegger will not follow suit and invite comparable harm upon our nation. ‘Gay marriage’ is driven by false compassion and serves false justice.
Pray for the strengthening of the defense team. They have been working 20 hour plus days and will continue to do so until the Judge’s ruling by preparing briefs for his consideration. One relative of the legal team confided in me that her brother experiences more spiritual warfare and emotional harassment in cases involving homosexual rights than any other type of case. He implored her to pray for him, as the encouragement of the saints is his strength and confidence.
So let us pray for the team—their clarity, objectivity, creativity, and renewal of strength. Like the prophets of old, may we pray that ‘their weaknesses would be turned to strength, that they would become powerful in battle, able to rout foreign armies.’ (Heb. 11:34)
Let us also pray that believers would surround them with encouraging words and prayers of refreshment. In spite of the intimidation of an antagonistic Judge and context (San Francisco) where the prevailing insinuation is that the defense is narrow, unloving and apparently irrational, let us pray that they may behold what Elisha did.
The prophet, surrounded by an overwhelming foreign army, was given mystical sight of the Lord’s army and proclaimed: ‘Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them…Then the Lord opened his eyes and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha…’(2 Kings 6:16, 17)
Let us pray for the defense team, that their eyes would be open to the otherwise unseen hosts of Heaven, fighting for them as we do our part in prayer. Much rests on this case. It shall become a focus for out Lenten prayer. More to come on that!
Biggest Challenge to Marriage in the History of the USA
taken from a letter written by Andy Comiskey
Perry vs. Schwarzenegger is not just one of several efforts to overturn Prop. 8. Its outcome will determine whether or not citizens of the USA will have the freedom to define marriage as one man for one woman.
The gay couples who filed the federal lawsuit claim that those who sponsored and voted for Prop. 8 in CA were not motivated by a love of marriage, but rather by a hatred for homosexuals. If found, such evidence could render Prop. 8 unconstitutional.
The trial started Jan 11th and is expected to run weeks if not months, with a ruling expected in the summer. The Federal District Court in San Francisco is notoriously liberal, as are the actions of Walker, the presiding judge of the case.
Thus far, Walker has done everything in his power to put advocates of marriage at a disadvantage. For the first time in the history of 'gay marriage' trials, he has given the Court freedom to probe the thoughts, motivations, and personal beliefs of Prop. 8 sponsors.
Because this case is a federal one, it will conclusively determine the future of marriage in the USA.
Overturning Prop. 8 could nullify the people's vote on marriage in 45 states, as well as the federal Defense of Marriage Act passed by Congress in 1996.
And no matter how Judge Walker rules, the Perry case is destined for appeals and a final decision before the US Supreme Court.
This is the big one people. Please pray with us as we cry out for:
The Prop. 8 legal team. Pray for strength, clarity, finances. They face daily the battle of their lives. Check them out at ProtectMarriage.com.A spirit of unity and prayer among Christians based on the magnitude of what is at stake. Marriage is at stake.
Clarity and wisdom for all who support marriage. Marriage does honor all citizens and has unique power to dignify men, women, and the children they produce.
Compassion and understanding toward those with same-sex attraction, realizing that refusing to redefine marriage for them is in the best interests of everyone.
We will update you on the case. Pray with Desert Stream Ministries every Thursday morning (CST) for the Perry trial. We will keep you posted on related prayer initiatives.
Andy
To view days 1-40 of our "Pray & Fast for Marriage" just click on this link.
Honoring Marriage for the Good of All is a prayer guide for preserving marriage, one man for one woman, in our country utilizing our most effective weapon - intercessory prayer. This 40-day intercessory prayer guide will help all those concerned with preserving marriage.
To order Andy's book on honoring marriage click here.
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