District council stance on prayers should be applauded (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

District council stance on prayers should be applauded

1:34pm Wednesday 16th May 2012 in Letters

HAVING recently retired to the Cotswolds, may I take the opportunity to applaud the District Council for their proposal to move prayers to a more dignified and Christian setting in accordance with the teachings of the Bible.

I have observed, over the years, that government collectives use a prayer to endorse their activities, and while well intentioned; an un-Christian act.

We are taught in Matthew 6:5 and 6:6 before being shown the Lord's Prayer: "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

The suggestion by the council, in their meeting agenda, to use a separate room where councillors can pray in private with the door closed is a welcome, and sadly rare, example of public officials displaying genuine Christian principles.

REV JAMES DAVIES Bourton-on-the-Water