Prayer and fasting to fix a economic crisis.

[Bodadh]

Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson will participate in fasting and prayer for more cooperative spirit in the city

Monday, June 20, 2011, 6:12 PM     Updated: Wednesday, June 22, 2011, 1:59 PM
By MARY KLAUS, The Patriot-News The Patriot-News

HARRISBURG — To help Harrisburg out of its financial crisis, area Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders have called for three days of fasting and praying for a more cooperative spirit among Harrisburg government leaders, the business community and residents.

The voluntary event will start at midnight on Tuesday and run through 5 p.m. Friday. During that time, various churches and temples will be open to the public.
   
Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson said she will participate in the event.
   
The Rev. Herb Stoner, pastor of adult training at Christ Community Church of Camp Hill, said the answers to problems in Harrisburg and the region won’t be found in the wisdom or ability of humans.

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http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/harrisburg_mayor_linda_thompso_36.html


Yeah, bugging God and going hungry has fixed all my money problems.

I know I am risking being considered a jerk so early here, but the problems in Harrisburg were caused by and CAN be fixed by the wisdom and ability of humans. God didn't over tax, over spend, and elect idiots and grievance mongers who always demand more from others.

[NHSparky]

I know I am risking being considered a jerk so early here, but the problems in Harrisburg were caused by and CAN be fixed by the wisdom and ability of humans. God didn't over tax, over spend, and elect idiots and grievance mongers who always demand more from others.

No, actually, you'll get your first High-5 from me for that statement.  The Bible also says that God helps those who help themselves.

[redwhit]

Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson will participate in fasting and prayer for more cooperative spirit in the city

I know I am risking being considered a jerk so early here, but the problems in Harrisburg were caused by and CAN be fixed by the wisdom and ability of humans. God didn't over tax, over spend, and elect idiots and grievance mongers who always demand more from others.

That's one of the better sentiments I've seen in quite a while.  Thank you.

[Janice]

No, actually, you'll get your first High-5 from me for that statement.

Same here.

[IassaFTots]

 

[Eupher]

Yep, a h5 works for me as well.

It sounds like the mayor is simply pandering to the pseudo-coalition of religious leaders who think that they are accomplishing something by throwing the problem in God's lap.

Now God's a big guy and can certainly handle whatever we dump on him, but like Sparky said, God helps those who help themselves.

Pandering to the religious is better than pandering to liberals, but it's still pandering.

Politicians just can't seem to help themselves.

[CG6468]

It's party time in Harrisburg!!!   

[MrsSmith]

No, actually, you'll get your first High-5 from me for that statement.  The Bible also says that God helps those who help themselves.

Really?  Where??   

[Boudicca]

Really?  Where??   

It doesn't, but it's a common misperception.  Not sure if it was Ben Franklin in Poor Richard's Almanac?
Anyway, over the years I have known many a devoutly religious person who is certain that quote's in the Book.

[MrsSmith]

It doesn't, but it's a common misperception.  Not sure if it was Ben Franklin in Poor Richard's Almanac?
Anyway, over the years I have known many a devoutly religious person who is certain that quote's in the Book.

Yeah, I know.  The Bible does actually teach prayer and fasting to solve problems, like economic issues.  It doesn't teach that God helps those that help themselves anywhere.  I wondered if Sparky understood that...   

[JohnnyReb]

We'll all be going hungry and praying for relief soon enough without starting early. Me, I'mm going to eat all I can while it's on the table....Obamaconomy and all.

[seahorse513]

I always wonder why people fast...It doesn't solve anything. It is going to do zilch for the economy and or jobs. Why would one even want to risk their health for something that can only improve through self motivation(creating industry). I  also high fived you and welcome to CC.

[Eupher]

I always wonder why people fast...It doesn't solve anything. It is going to do zilch for the economy and or jobs. Why would one even want to risk their health for something that can only improve through self motivation(creating industry). I  also high fived you and welcome to CC.

People fast because it's a traditional sign of piety. And, supposedly, it helps draw one toward God because overcoming the hunger enough to pray and otherwise worship God despite the hunger removes those barriers caused by concentration on self.

I dunno about that, but I can't say that I've tried it so I can't speak toward it.

I AM saying, however, that politicians who purport to pray and fast and make public announcements about it are pandering to those who think highly about such things. One needn't make public announcements to worship God.

[MrsSmith]

Pres. John Adams, "I have thought proper to recommend, and I do hereby recommend accordingly, that Thursday, the 25th day of April next, be observed throughout the United States of America as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer..."

Pres. Abraham Lincoln, "Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do appoint the last Thursday in September next, as a day of humiliation, prayer and fasting for all the people of the nation. And I do earnestly recommend to all the People, and especially to all ministers and teachers of religion of all denominations, and to all heads of families, to observe and keep that day according to their several creeds and modes of worship, in all humility and with all religious solemnity, to the end that the united prayer of the nation may ascend to the Throne of Grace and bring down plentiful blessings upon our Country."

Pres. James Madison, "The two Houses of the National Legislature having by a joint resolution expressed their desire that in the present time of public calamity and war a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States as a day of public humiliation and fasting and of prayer to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessing on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace, I have deemed it proper by this proclamation..."

 Mar 9:29         And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

[chitownchica]

The Rev. Herb Stoner...

That made me laugh.

[NHSparky]

Really?  Where??   

Sorry, but the principle remains.  Prayer and fasting might sound nice and provide some form of guidance, but there are those of us who believe that actually DOING what we've been guided to do works a bit better. 

Surely you've heard the story about the man in the flood?  A truck drives by when the man is on his porch as the river is flooding.  He tells the driver of the truck, "No, I'll stay here, God will provide."  Then the water rises to the first floor.  He is on the second floor when a boat comes by and they tell him to get in.  "No, I'll stay here, God will provide," he states.  Finally, he's forced onto his roof by the rising water as a helicopter comes by.  Again, he replies, "No, I'll stay here, God will provide."

But the water rises further still, and he drowns.

At the Pearly Gates, he meets God, and asks Him, "Why did you not provide in my time of need?"  To which God replies, "I sent a truck, a boat, and a helicopter.  What more did you want?"

[DumbAss Tanker]

Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson will participate in fasting and prayer for more cooperative spirit in the city
...
Yeah, bugging God and going hungry has fixed all my money problems.
...

Well, I suppose it will save them some food money.

 

[MrsSmith]

Sorry, but the principle remains.  Prayer and fasting might sound nice and provide some form of guidance, but there are those of us who believe that actually DOING what we've been guided to do works a bit better. 

Surely you've heard the story about the man in the flood?  A truck drives by when the man is on his porch as the river is flooding.  He tells the driver of the truck, "No, I'll stay here, God will provide."  Then the water rises to the first floor.  He is on the second floor when a boat comes by and they tell him to get in.  "No, I'll stay here, God will provide," he states.  Finally, he's forced onto his roof by the rising water as a helicopter comes by.  Again, he replies, "No, I'll stay here, God will provide."

But the water rises further still, and he drowns.

At the Pearly Gates, he meets God, and asks Him, "Why did you not provide in my time of need?"  To which God replies, "I sent a truck, a boat, and a helicopter.  What more did you want?"

If they receive several million dollars, stick it in an account somewhere and not use it to dig out of the hole, you'd have a good point.  However, prayer and fasting are clearly taught as a means to ask for divine assistance and guidance for all kinds of problems, including economic.  People make fun of it without any understanding of the fact that it does often work.  It's not all that needs done, but it's a really good first step when you're faced with an overwhelming problem that is not completely in your control.

[diesel driver]

It doesn't, but it's a common misperception.  Not sure if it was Ben Franklin in Poor Richard's Almanac?
Anyway, over the years I have known many a devoutly religious person who is certain that quote's in the Book.

Here's what a Bing search turned up ( I always wondered about that statement myself):

It originated from Algernon Sydney in 1698 in an article titled "Discourses Concerning Government".

[Boudicca]

Here's what a Bing search turned up ( I always wondered about that statement myself):

It originated from Algernon Sydney in 1698 in an article titled "Discourses Concerning Government".

Thanks.
I'll buy you a beer for googling what I should have done.