OUR NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

May 2, 2013

This coming Thursday is our National Day of Prayer; a tradition that predates the founding of the United States of America. In 1775, the Continental Congress made a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer.  Later, in 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer. Then in 1988 the law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.   

The theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer is “Pray for America”. It is taken from Matthew 12:21.

“In His name the nations will put their hope.”

The popular trend to marginalize people of faith is frustrating. In the name of tolerance, many American traditions are being relegated to the trash heap. We are reluctant to mention anything to do with Christmas or Easter in schools, and prayer is often frowned upon or “sanitized” at community functions. Lawsuits are threatened if pictures of Jesus or Scripture are maintained on public grounds. Yet, our founders recognized that freedom came from God Almighty. And as John Adams said, “our Constitution is made for a moral and religious people.”

Our Declaration of Independence appeals “to the Supreme Judge of the world” The language in the document states,

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

The individuals who signed that Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, as well as many others, believed strongly enough in pursuing liberty to mutually pledge to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor."

During the Constitutional Convention of June 1787 where delegates had clashed for five weeks, Benjamin Franklin appealed for prayer.

“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel.”

The United States of America was founded on Judeo Christian principles. Just as at that initial pivotal period in our nation’s history, we currently face national challenges of every kind.  It is again time to appeal to all people to repent personally, as well as for our national sins, and seek Almighty God’s forgiveness, direction, and healing.

“I exhort you therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 

— 1 Timothy 2:1-2

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 

― 2 Chronicles 7:14

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

    slow to anger, abounding in love.

He will not always accuse,

    nor will he harbor his anger forever;

he does not treat us as our sins deserve

    or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

    so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

 ― Psalm 103: 8-12

Please pray for:

~ our nation

~ all who serve in leadership in the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government

~ our state Governors and Legislatures

~ all who serve in our armed forces, police, firefighters, medical services, educators

~ for church leaders