The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our Nation to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society by recognizing each year a “National Day of Prayer.”
On Thursday, May 1, people across our nation will bow (or be on their knees) praying for America on this fifty-seventh year of the National Day of Prayer. People from all denominations across the land will be asking God to keep His hand on our nation.
With soldiers overseas at war, an economy nearing recession, a real estate disaster, rising fuel costs, not to mention a crucial presidential election this fall, we need to seek the face of God.
The focus of this year’s Day of Prayer is “The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped” Psalm 28:7.
As President George W. Bush stated in his declaration on April 21, 2008, “From our Nation’s humble beginnings, prayer has guided our leaders and played a vital role in the life and history of the United States. Americans of many different faiths share the profound conviction that God listens to the voice of His children and pours His grace upon those who seek Him in prayer. By surrendering our lives to our loving Father, we learn to serve His eternal purposes, and we are strengthened, refreshed, and ready for all that may come.”
“I ask the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith, for the freedoms and blessings we have received and for God’s continued guidance, comfort, and protection. I invite all Americans to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”
We invite you to pray on Thursday, May 1, and join with millions across America who know that prayer is America’s strength and shield. There are a number of churches in our area will be hosting prayer events. See the back page of this paper for more information. Take time at church, at home, in your car, or at your office – alone or with family and friends to pray for our great nation! Check out the website at www.ndptf.org for more information.