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. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Too often we neglect prayer. We give up too soon, sometimes right before the critical moment.
Now is the time to wake up and pray for our country.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalm 33:12
The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for our nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and singed into law by President Harry S. Truman.
Because of the faith of many of our founding fathers, public prayers and national days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continual Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continues throughout our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation , fasting and prayer” in 1863. In 1988, the law was amended setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president has signed a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.
Mrs. Shirley Dobson, NDP chairman, reminds us:
We have lost many of our freedoms in America because we have been asleep.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force lists seven centers of influence in our culture that need continual prayer beyond the first Thursday in May.
Seven Centers of Influence
- Government. Ask God to grant our local, state, and national leaders wisdom. and discernment in all branches of government.
- Church. Pray for churches and church leaders in every community to stand strong. Ask God to protect and preserve them.
- Military. Pray for our military and its leaders, for God to grant them courage, protection and strength. Also offer prayers for first responders who protect and serve in our local communities.
- Family. Pray for families throughout our nation, for the Lord to protect and strengthen marriages and encourage parents to teach God’s values in their homes.
- Media. Pray for Christian influence in the media industry, from movies, television, radio, and the internet.
- Education.Pray for God’s presence in our schools, colleges and universities. Take time to pray for teachers and administrators.
- Business. Ask God to raise up godly business leaders, for divine guidance and intervention in our national, state, and local economies.
In his name the nations will put their hope. Matthew 12:21
Now is the time to wake up and pray.
It all begins with a decision. Will you join me in prayer throughout this election year?
