Honoring Marriage for the Good of All

"Prayer is a potent thing! God welcomes our prayers.
There is no reason for us to hesitate.
Trusting Christ's promises, we can pray with the assurance that God hears and answers.
God has tied himself to prayer." Martin Luther

" It's make-or-break time in the Land of Lincoln!" Brian Brown, National Organization for Marriage, who has joined with the African American Clergy Organization and others to fight for marriage in Illinois.

The Illinois House of Representatives has been battling over the fate of marriage since Valentine' s Day. A vote on a same-sex marriage bill is expected to happen any day. (please see prayer points below).

The US Supreme Court spent two days hearing arguments about the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California's Prop 8. After reading several articles and opinions on the hearings, Andrew Comiskey commented:

To be sure 'gay marriage' is not a done deal in America. The Supreme Court has over two months to deliberate on both the challenge to DOMA and Prop 8. Though DOMA appears doomed, the case against Prop 8 is far more complicated and could go in several directions.

Those opposing Prop 8 took the most aggressive stance possible by asking the court to strike down all 'gay marriage' restrictions in the USA on the grounds the measure defies our nation's constitution. The Supreme Court tends to favor state's rights; so striking down the thirty-one states which have already defined marriage as male and female could be asking too much of the Court at this time.

It is possible that the Court took up California's Prop 8 so it could find a way to honor state's rights in defining ways. Time will tell. Many analysts believe the Supreme Court will strike down Prop 8 alone and allow the rest of the state's to decide as they will.

Please pray! Don't give up on marriage, and what you know to be true about homosexuality-an expression of sexual, emotional and moral brokenness that Jesus delights in transforming thru Spirit- filled Christians like yourselves.

Prayer Points for DOMA and Prop 8:

Please pray a majority of the justices (5 of 9) uphold the constitutionality of marriage as one man and one woman.
Pray especially for Justices Anthony Kennedy and Stephen Breyer, who are considered to be the swing votes on 'gay marriage'. Also pray for Chief Justice John Roberts.
Please pray for all of the justices: Chief Justice John Roberts, and Associate Justices Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan.

Illinois
The Illinois Senate passed a same-sex marriage bill earlier this year. Democrats have a supermajority in the House, yet at last count the bill did not have the votes needed to pass this legislation. The 20 member Black Caucus are positioned as the key swing vote on this issue. Recently, the governor again expressed his support of 'gay marriage'.
·         Pray legislation allowing same-sex marriage fails to gain the necessary support in the Illinois House.
·         Pray for the strength and courage of their convictions for those Democrats who support marriage as one man and one woman.

Hawaii
Earlier this year the House and Senate have decided there will be no vote on 'gay marriage' in this legislative session.
·         Praise and thank God for upholding and protecting marriage in Hawaii.

England
"Marriage is a gift from God." Church of England, in an official statement issued this week.

A few months ago the English Parliament and Prime Minister approved 'gay marriage.' We are encouraged and thankful to hear the response from the Church of England, the state church. Click the link below to read more:

http://anglicanink.com/article/marriage-god-not-state-church-england-declares#.UWWtINuwTvs.email

Australia
Thankfully, none of the four bills advocating marriage were approved by the Australian legislature!
·         Please continue to pray marriage will be upheld there.

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In addition to praying for marriage we see Living Waters and our other groups as the most effective action to strengthen and protect marriage.

Please pray for existing LW groups for the perseverance and grace to continue on and finish strong.
Pray please for our Living Waters Trainings in July, one in Kansas City and another near Mexico City: for applicants, leaders and discernment as the coordinators determine whom to accept and put in each small group.

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Thank you for standing with the Lord and us at Desert Stream as we continue to wage this battle.

To listen to Andy's Honoring Marriage podcast episodes

just click on this link.

You may also download them free from ITUNES by searching for Desert Stream Ministries.

Honoring Marriage for the Good of All is a prayer guide for preserving marriage, one man for one woman, in our country utilizing our most effective weapon - intercessory prayer. This 40-day intercessory prayer guide will help all those concerned with preserving marriage.

To order Andy's book on honoring marriage click here.