The first Thursday of May is designated as the National Day of Prayer and people from all over the country will gather at flag poles for “See you at the Pole” events to pray for our country, our government, and good leaders. At our local school district students will meet in front first thing in the morning to observe the National Day of Prayer. To pray in Jesus name to ask Him to come into our lives, give us peace, hope, unity and strength.
History of the National Day of Prayer
You might be surprised to learn that it was the United States government under President Truman that enacted the first official Day of Prayer.
The National Day of Prayer (36 U.S.C. § 119)[1] is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”. Each year since its inception, the president has signed a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.[2] The modern law formalizing its annual observance was enacted in 1952; however, days of prayer have been called for since 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation.[3]http://en.wikipedia.org
Prayer and religious freedom is why the United States was founded. People escaped from religious persecution and found a home in America where they could worship freely. Now, more than ever we need to remember this. The Christian faith is being attacked from all sides. The military is limiting outward signs of prayer and faith. However, at least in the Marine Corps, chaplains, faith and God are a cornerstone. A prayer is said by the chaplain during the graduation ceremony.
The National Day of Prayer has been challenged over the years by the Freedom of Religion Foundation, but they have lost several times. When such government entities dating back to 1775 and the Continental Congress reaches all the modern day governors from all fifty states, there is support that no many can put asunder.
Let’s continue to keep God, Christ, faith, and prayer in the United States, our country and out hearts.
Listen to “We Pray”, recorded for the National Day of Prayer
How will you recognize the National Day of Prayer? Will you attend a rally, have a small group. Or will you prayer privately, alone with your Father who knows and hears all things. Regardless of how you prayer, just pray, not just today, but every day. If you don’t know what to pray, or how to start, start with the Lords Prayer, which is the perfect prayer.
