Spiritual Advisor to the President

Every morning in the movie theater members of the Lakeside community gather to hear a chaplain speak. It is a small, intimate theater with old fashioned wooden seats and down front, an organ and a piano. I had never heard of our Chaplain of the week, but he is an interesting speaker with good experience and in depth knowledge of many issues. Dr. Hunter pastors a church in Florida that seeks to help diverse populations come together in unity.

Turns out he is an advisor to our President, along with a number of other eminent religious leaders including Rev. T. D. Jakes. Recently I read a book sent me by my friend Sissie called Prayers of Our Presidents. Fascinating to read a brief sketch of the various president's terms of office, their background and family, their concerns.

Many of them turned to ordained religious leaders for prayer, for their own spiritual concerns, for spiritual support during this country's demanding times. Our Presidents have subscribed to many different faiths and denominations. Few other countries' leaders have such a track record I suspect, though I have not looked into it. Regardless of personal preference, they all recognized that the job of leading this nation was beyond their limited abilities, no matter how gifted they were.

I will say that Dr. Hunter took a bit of heat during the Question and Answer sessions after his morning talks. He was genuinely compassionate even towards those who belligerently wished to pound home their own opinions as gospel truth. So often they began their diatribes with "You tell the President that . . ." and just as often, Dr. Hunter replied that he does not tell the President anything.

He prays for the President as the President asks for prayers. He answers questions when asked not with his own thoughts, but with questions that draw the President from where he is in his spiritual walk and that encourage him to grow as the Holy Spirit gives wisdom. And the President prays for Dr. Hunter, whose young grand daughter is facing brain cancer.

All pettiness and personal agendas must fall aside when dealing with weighty issues such as our century and culture presents anyone in positions of leadership these days. I have great respect for the spiritual advisers who are granted audience in the White House. They realize they are held accountable to a higher court than ours. It is sobering and requires much stretching to embrace the responsibility so bestowed.

As for me, I am grateful I am not in such a position, but I will commit to pray for our country, our President, and his spiritual advisers in the days ahead as they deal with the issues of our times.