Scores of legislators and other government officials should feel prayed for and cared for after participating in the annual Legislative Prayer Luncheon Feb. 6 in Montgomery. They also may carry a voice of accountability with them as they recall the day’s challenge to guard their hearts in all that they do.
Sponsored by the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM), the luncheon takes place the day after the opening day of the Legislature’s regular session. About 500 people attended this year’s event.
Dan Ireland, executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program, prayed that each member of the state government’s legislative branch, executive branch and judicial branch would “acknowledge personally that they are instruments in the hands of almighty God.”
Edwin Hayes, pastor of First Baptist Church, Cullman, prayed that in every decision, “they might look unto [God] for direction.”
Gov. Bob Riley challenged the legislators not to do anything without prayer. “Let every decision be guided by God,” he said.
Alabama Baptist State Convention President Roger Willmore urged those in attendance to have a heart for God.
“God does not look on the outward appearance, He looks upon the heart,” said Willmore, pastor of Deerfoot Baptist Church, Trussville, who delivered the luncheon sermon.
Preaching from Proverbs 4:23 and the story of King David in 1 Samuel 16, he explained that the heart is the source of life.
“Put a fortress around your heart,” Willmore said. “Out of the heart comes the major decisions of life.
“It is a sobering thought but it is true. The condition of our world reflects the condition of men’s hearts,” he said. “If we want a better world, a better state, a better community, a better home, a better life, then we must guard our hearts.”
Challenging the group to monitor their mouths, eyes and feet, Willmore asked, “Do not most of your difficulties come when you do not watch your tongue and where you go?”
In order to guard one’s heart, he suggested the following:
1. “Yield your heart to its Creator.”
2. “Fill your heart with God’s Word.”
3. “Pray for God to give you wisdom.”
4. “Surround yourself with good and godly counsel. There is great merit in Christian fellowship, friendship and accountability.”
Speaking directly to state leaders, Willmore said, “The heart of a leader is more important than the mind of a leader.
“Your intellect and your experience alone are not enough,” he said. “Your heart has a significant role in the effectiveness of your leadership.”
Also addressing the group during the luncheon were Rick Lance, SBOM executive director, and Bobby Bright, mayor of Montgomery and a deacon at First Baptist Church, Montgomery.
Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Tom Parker delivered the invocation.
Sen. Ben Brooks, R-Mobile, read from the Old Testament, and House of Representatives Speaker Seth Hammett, D-Andalusia, brought the New Testament reading.
Bringing special music was Rita Wyatt, a member of Deerfoot Baptist.
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