Pam Dudding Contributing writer
Confusion and disruption in our country and the world create fear and anxiety in the lives of many people.
The United States of America was founded on principles from the Bible, which give us a one-way direct line to talk with God, the Father of Jesus Christ, to ease these feelings.
This year, May 8 is designated as the National Day of Prayer. It is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for their nation.
“It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families,” Minister James Goll said. “The National Day of Prayer represents a Judeo-Christian expression of the faith, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer in reverence for the God of the Bible and with a desire to see its continuance.”
Many consider The National Day of Prayer to be a vital part of America’s rich heritage.
History shows that because of the faith of many of the founding fathers, public prayer 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 Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through history, including President Lincoln’s “proclamation for a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863
- In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual National Day of Prayer. The Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in Marsh vs. Chambers (1983)
- In 1988, the law was properly amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May
- Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. (Last year was significant indeed as all 50 state governors, plus the governors of several of the U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.)
The Bible tells us to pray for those who are in authority.
In 1 Timothy 2:1–4: (1) it says “’so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity’ and (2) so that God can bring those in authority – as well as those under their authority – to Himself. He ‘desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.’”
One international pastor compared prayer-less intentions to a building that is wired for electricity but not connected to a power source; so, “nothing will work, even if the wires are in good order and the light fixtures are beautiful.”
We should pray for those who are in authority, to be obedient to the will of God.
With the turmoil in the world right now, the unrest of politics and many other unknowns that have plagued our nation, maybe all of us should take a few minutes and “take” the time to pray, seeking wisdom and asking for forgiveness where needed.
God says that, “We receive not because we ask not.”
Let’s ask, believing that we will receive and look forward to a turning of the tide for all good to visit our doorsteps. Peace is a needed commodity right now and time in prayer can help to bring it to pass. Shalom Craig County.