SummaryToday, Thursday, May 5, 2011 marks the 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer officially established by congress in 1952.
Story History reveals many things to us. Through history we have learned that the founding fathers of our nation were men of faith. Because of their faith, public prayer and national days of prayer have become an American tradition. Challenges have come regarding prayer, however for the time being, the national government recognizes prayer as an essential and important element to our country. As recent as 1983, the Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in the landmark case, Marsh vs. Chambers. Despite the challenges prayer continues to be acceptable in the United States.
Prayer has served as a fundamental part of American history and the National Day of Prayer, which has been celebrated as the first Thursday in May since 1988 is a vital part of our heritage.
The first call to national prayer occurred in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a new nation. Then in 1863, President Lincoln set a proclamation for a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer for our nation, then torn apart with war. Finally in 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer and in 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.
Each year, the current president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.
On Friday, April 29, 2011 President Barack Obama released his Presidential Proclamation marking the 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer.
In his proclamation, President Obama recognizes the important role that prayer has played in the United States, saying, Throughout our history, Americans have turned to prayer for strength, inspiration, and solidarity. Prayer has played an important role in the American story and in shaping our Nations leaders.
According to National Day of Prayer organizers, this years 2011 National Day of Prayer has special significance due to a recent court ruling by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals, which affirmed the constitutionality of the law requiring the President to proclaim a National Day of Prayer each year. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, based in Chicago, ruled 3-0 that the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) and its plaintiffs do not have standing to continue their challenge of the 1952 congressional act declaring an annual National Day of Prayer.
Local pastors agree with the National Day of Prayer organization and understand the significance of corporate prayer being offered to God on behalf of an entire nation.
Pastor Brad Carpenter of Pathway Pentecostals believes the annual observance helps to remind us all of the spiritual foundation our country was built upon.
The foundation of our country was based on God and His principles, Carpenter said. The National Day of Prayer is a day our country is reminded of that foundation. We as a country must remember what has kept the favor of God with us and not turn away from those principles.
Pastor Cliff Hartley of Northside Baptist Church agrees and hopes to one day see our nation as a whole move closer towards God and His will.
Prayer to me is the cry of my heart being poured out before God, Hartley shared. Anytime there is a National Day of Prayer, as this year on Thursday, May 5th, when a nation calls out to God in unity and prayer, it is a move in the right direction. My prayer during this time will be that the murdering of unborn babies by way of abortion will come to stop. That this nation will become One Nation Under God, again. I also pray that churches will seek God to pour himself into their congregations for revival.
Carpenter also thinks having a national day of prayer serves as an avenue of hope for the entire world because America has been a spiritual leader for all nations during the past 150 years.
Jesus let us know through His word that as time progresses daily events would continue to degrade, (2 Tim 3:1), Carpenter said. We see this everyday in the events that play out in our country and around the world. America has been the spiritual house of hope for the world during the last 150 years but if we neglect our time with the One who gives hope we will lose our ability to spread it effectively. There simply is no better way to get close to God, who is the provider of hope, than through prayer and reading His word.
Millions will answer the call to prayer on May 5th and organized events will be held in thousands of public venues where citizens will unite in prayer for America and its leadership. This years theme, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, is based on Psalm 91:2, which states, I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org or check with your local church.
