"The Outcome Is Up To God"

From an article on McCain supporters praying for victory:

While politicians are making their final pitch to voters, religious Americans from across the political spectrum are appealing to a higher power on the candidates' behalf.

"We have just days to pray that someone who upholds the sanctity of life and marriage between one man and one woman will win," said Pam Olsen, co-pastor with her husband of the International House of Prayer in Tallahassee, Fla.

Olsen, who personally supports Republican John McCain, is organizing a marathon of prayer, fasting and Bible reading at the Capitol starting Saturday until the state's polls close.

"The outcome is up to God," she said.

Really? So if Obama wins, you'll be upfront announcing that God has chosen Obama, and that you will support him 100%?

Actually, I give credit to Rev. Adam Hamilton, quoted later in the piece, for actually presenting such an example of separation of church and state.

But many pastors are warning against asking God for a specific outcome.

The Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of the 12,000-member United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., has urging his congregants simply to pray for help choosing the right leader for the country. Author of the book, "Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality and Politics," Hamilton said no one knows "who God's person for the hour is."

And considering the state of the economy and the other daunting problems facing the U.S. and the world, Hamilton said churches would do better to focus on asking God to help whoever succeeds President Bush.

"Who wants this job right now?" Hamilton said. "Whoever wins this election, we're going to have to pull together to pray for them."