Can prayer only include a higher power?

[rug]

Arizona legislator Steve Montenegro has his own definition of prayer.

By Anthony Cave on Thursday, February 11th, 2016 at 3:21 p.m.

The Arizona Legislature has a new policy when it comes to prayer.

House Majority Leader Steve Montenegro, a Republican, adopted an invocation policy Jan. 27 that defines prayer as a "solemn request for guidance and help from God."

Rep. Juan Mendez, D-Tempe, an atheist, said the policy makes him feel "disenfranchised."

Here’s the expanded statement in a memo Montenegro sent to state representatives:

"Prayer, as commonly understood and in the long-honored tradition of the Arizona House of Representatives, is a solemn request for guidance and help from God.

"A Member’s request to lead the prayer, or to invite a member of the clergy to lead the prayer, is an avowal that the request is for the stated purpose. Members who wish to observe a moment of silence, recite a poem, express personal sentiments or speak rather than pray, should rise to a point of personal privilege to do so."

http://www.politifact.com/arizona/article/2016/feb/11/can-prayer-only-include-higher-power/

[TygrBright]

1. hmmmm.... leaves out a LOT, doesn't it!

No prayers of praise.

No prayers of thanks/gratitude.

No prayers invoking mercy or love.

Even for a theist, this is pretty unacceptable, I would think.

This guy's god seems even smaller than his (select one): mind/heart/dick/faith/toupe'.

observantly,
Bright

[rug]

2. Whatever he's describimg, it's not prayer.

Odd that he would use the word.