The Need For Prayer

For over well over a week now I have followed the news of Governor Scott Walker, the Republicans and the Unions “going at it” in terms of Walker’s proposal to cut the $137 million state budget deficit which is projected to top $3.6 billion by 2014. As a means of addressing the budget Walker moves that public employees pay into their retirement and help cover medical insurance costs. Additionally, he has built into his initiative that collective bargaining rights of many state workers would be stripped. In response, tens of thousands of union members and supporters have gathered at the state capital in protest. Actually, there has recently been a gathering of those supporting the Governor’s initiative as well resulting in opposing picket lines, signs and a certain amount of yelling at each other.

While all this has gathered national attention, especially in places like Washington, New York and other states similarly looking to address their own budget deficit woes, it has also gained the attention of our religious leaders such as Milwaukee’s Catholic Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki who writes in a letter to Governor Walker, “hard times do not nullify the moral obligation each of us has to respect the legitimate rights of workers.” and Bishop Linda Lee, the Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Bishop who writes to Governor Walker, “far more is accomplished for the best interests of all those we serve when employers and employees work together…” Copies of letters sent from our state’s religious leaders can be found at: http://www.wichurches.org/

I have the unique perspective of having worked with unions – although not as a union member – rather as a state employee in management with DOA for almost five years. My mother was a career teacher and I am married to a teacher of almost eighteen years. I understand as well as most what is hanging in the balance: addressing our state fiscal needs by balancing the budget through responsible stewardship and the impact on the lives of many throughout our state. I’ve listened to my own church members, several who work in our school systems, tell me of their concern of loosing jobs or not being able to cover mortgage payments. I’ve read countless Facebook and blog articles – some with derogatory language not publishable in public forums in my opinion. Some support the initiative. Some do not support it.

It is my humble opinion that much prayer is needed. Whether you agree with Walker’s initiative or not; whether you support the public workers or not, there is much need for prayer. We must be in prayer for those who are hurting and suffering, if nothing else because of the anxiety over what may occur. We must be in prayer for our Governor, the Senate, our government leaders and the people of Wisconsin as this decision has far reaching consequence and ramifications – much of which we can only imagine and surmise at this point. Please take time each morning to pray for those who are making decisions which will impact the lives of many. Please pray for those who will be adversely affected by these decisions. May we strive to work together, listen to one another, and make decisions for the betterment of God’s people.

Blessings all,

Patrick