MAY 6TH - THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday in May. This day observance, designated by the United States Congress, asks people “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” 

For many, prayer is an integral part of daily life. Prayer offers a rich connection to our spiritual lives, nurturing our relationships and faith. It also provides comfort in times of crisis or need. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #National Day Of Prayer

People of many different faiths join in prayer on this day. While some will attend the church, synagogue, mosque, temple or monasteries of their choice to pray, others will attend interdenominational prayer events. Some will join prayer groups or meditate.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER HISTORY

In the early 1950s, an evangelical movement called for Congress and the President to proclaim a National Day of Prayer. The movement grew and a young leader, Evangelist Billy Graham, led services for approximately 20,000 on the steps of the Capitol on February 3, 1952. Later that year, Congress proclaimed a joint resolution for a National Day of Prayer. President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a National Day of Prayer to be observed on July 4, 1952. Each year since that date, Americans have observed the day in their own way.

The observance moved to the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan and has been proclaimed each year since. (I had the privilege to stand in the Rose Garden on the grounds of the White House for the signing ceremony by President Reagan)

As a Nation, presidents and government officials have called for national days of prayer or thanks intermittently since before the country’s existence. 

• July 20, 1775 – The Continental Congress issued a proclamation recommending “a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer” be observed.

• In 1795 –  George Washington proclaimed a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.

• May 9, 1798 – John Adams declared this day as “a day of solemn humility, fasting, and prayer.”

• March 1863 – On March 3,  Abraham Lincoln signed a Congressional resolution, during the Civil War, which called for April 30, 1863, as a day of fasting and prayer.

 

To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org.

This is the prayer I placed on my Facebook page today:

LET US PRAY:

And men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely there is a God who judges on earth!”   Psalm 58:11

Romans 12:9
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.                                  Romans 12:9

Holy God,

We praise You because You are fair.  You are respectful of all peoples. 

We admit that this is an attribute that is difficult for us to consider.  Because You are a holy God You must judge sin.  And we are a sinful people.

Lord, on this National Day of Prayer, we do intercede for our nation.  We confess that we have moved far from You. We are broken. 

We come asking for mercy, for Your intervention.  Please bring an awakening; a time of repentance.  Turn us to You, Oh God.

In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen.

Sheila King Everett