National Day of Prayer
The first Thursday of May is National Day of Prayer in the USA. The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the House and Senate to designate the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer. President Ronald Reagan signed it into law on Thursday, May 5, 1988. All Americans, regardless of their confession, are called to turn to God in prayer and meditation on this day. Many Americans assemble together in prayer for the nation. Prayer is important and the Bible makes special mention of praying for those in positions of authority.
Do you remember after 9-11 how united our community was? The whole Eastern United States had flags on their vehicles. Churches were packed. There were amazing stories going around about people coming together. In a smaller capacity, Hurricane Florence brought people together. I am still hearing stories of how people came together. There were a lot of people praying! It is amazing what God can do when we all have the same focus!
When believers pray for the same thing it creates a sense of unity. The Holy Spirit knits us together in a bond of fellowship like nothing else in life. We cannot do this on our own. It puts us all on the same page and we all seek the kingdom of God first. This is a huge witness to struggling believers because it encourages them by the concern of those coming together.
Many people pray for America on a regular basis, but on National Day of Prayer we are able to join together across the nation and pray in unity. Several scriptures come to mind for me to reflect on in observance of The National Day of Prayer. II Chronicles 7:14, "...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Psalm 33:12-22, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you."
Matthew 18:19-20, "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Jesus told His disciples that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1, "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:1-4, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
We have an awesome opportunity to petition God on behalf of our leaders and those in positions of authority. Ephesians 4:3, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." I think America is in a spiritual crisis and we need to take all actions to come together. God is the only One who can do this! 2 Chronicles 30:12, "Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the Lord." God's power can unite our families, our work places, our communities, our cities, and our nation.
Join us Thursday night, May 2nd, at 6:30 pm for a National Day of Prayer service and a healing service in the gym. This is an awesome honor to be able to come together with fellow Americans and pray for our nation!