May our high court make wise decisions in the many cases they hear. Pray for God’s will to be done as they rule on this case involving state grants and churches.

The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. (Pr. 16:23 ESV)

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“U.S. Supreme Court justices, including the newest member, seem to be siding with a religious organization in a state-versus-church case. That’s according to an observer who was there to hear the arguments…. The high court heard a Missouri church’s challenge to its exclusion from a state program that provides grants to use scrap tires to cushion school playgrounds. Trinity Lutheran Church’s school in Columbia qualified close to the top of the list of organizations to receive such grants, but the state rejected the church’s grant on the basis of government entanglement in religion.

‘I am very optimistic, says Travis Weber … At least seven justices, I think, indicated their support for Trinity Lutheran here,” he offers. “It’s tough to get a gauge on Justice Ginsberg or Justice Sotomayor, but this decision might be unanimous. I think it’s likely at least 7-2.’

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens issued an order last week reversing the state’s earlier decision. The case now moved forward at the Supreme Court because of the more important constitutional issues.” (Excerpted from One News Now, reporting by Charlie Butts.)

“Supreme Court justices on both sides of the ideological spectrum seemed concerned about the state of Missouri’s decision to exclude a church from a neutral government subsidy program, a positive sign for religious liberty advocates watching today’s oral arguments. But the justices also suggested the case might be moot due to recent state policy changes, leaving court-watchers uncertain about whether the justices will rule at all. . . .

Cortman told the justices there is no assurance the state will retain its new policy after Greitens leaves office. He said this new policy, which Greitens announced on Facebook, can just as easily be switched back when the political winds shift. Since the Missouri Supreme Court already ruled against Trinity, someone is sure to challenge the new policy, he added.

Despite the complicating wrinkle, the justices asked hard questions on both sides about the merits of the case.” (Excerpted from World, reporting by Jamie Dean.)