January 21, 2005
By Kathy Gilbert

Not only does America have a future, but it is a future that is good and full of hope, a United Methodist pastor said during the National Prayer Service Jan. 21.

"We all have a future, and the Bible tells us the future is good," said the Rev. Mark Craig, pastor of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. "The reason the future is good is because God loves each and every one of us."

The National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral wrapped up four days of inaugural celebrations for President George W. Bush. Highland Park is the home church of George and Laura Bush.

The interfaith service included prayers by Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy as well as choral and instrumental music. The Rev. Billy Graham led the opening prayer of the service. The National Prayer Service is a tradition set by George Washington.

"We are a nation of sacrifice, freedom, justice, peace and faith," Craig said.

During his sermon, Craig paid tribute to the armed forces serving around the world. For 200 years, men and women of the United States have given their lives for freedom, he said. Quoting Scripture, Craig said, "there is no greater sacrifice, no greater love" then that showed by the men and women in uniform. "We should be eternally grateful for their sacrifice."

In conclusion, Craig cited the story of God parting the Red Sea for Moses and the people of Israel.

"In difficult times, God has a way of opening new doors," he said. "That is why we have a future and it is good and full of hope."

The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, also participated in the National Prayer Service. Caldwell gave the benediction after the president's inaugural address Jan. 20.

United Methodist News Service
Kathy Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.