But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. – James 3:17
The first of the Lincoln-Douglas debates for the U.S. Senate seat for Illinois took place on this date in 1858. A total of seven debates took place between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. Prior to the passage of the Seventeenth Amendment, Senators were selected by state legislators, so Lincoln and Douglas debated before the Illinois General Assembly. The debates primarily focused on slavery, with Lincoln arguing against its expansion into the land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase and Mexican Cession. Douglas ended up winning the Senate seat, but the national publicity led to Lincoln’s presidential win in 1860. As you pray today for governing officials and the candidates that are running for congressional and presidential office, remember that the Lord can and does work through things that look like losses to us.
As the Lord leads, pray with us…
- For members of Congress as they decide whether to run for reelection or retire.
- For the president and other candidates as they campaign, and for wisdom for voters as they evaluate the options.
