National Day of Prayer
On Thursday, May 4, the National Day of Prayer will be observed as Americans unite for one day of prayer for our country. The theme this year is: “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much,” according to Kathy Branzell, Task Force President. Thousands of Christians will pray as they meet in small and large groups, as well as online.
The following is from National Day of Prayer website as to why pray for America:
“God is sovereign, and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware. Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men. As we pray for America whose pledge of allegiance recounts that we are “one nation under God,” and whose currency states that it is “in God we trust,” we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country.” 1
“The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. 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 our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of 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. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.” 2
Prayer posted by National Day of Prayer officials:
We come with fervent hearts to praise You Lord. You are The Word, the Way, Truth and Life. The Alpha and Omega, Lion of Judah, Almighty God who was, and is, and is to come. You clothed Yourself in flesh and dwelt among us, to remove our sin and clothe us in Your righteousness that we might dwell with You forever and ever.
With broken, humbled hearts we repent of our sins. Confessing to You our faithlessness, prayerlessness, and disobedience. Forgive us for our doubt, our prideful and quarrelsome words that reveal our unclean hearts. Cleanse us and renew a right and steadfast spirit within us we pray.
As the Church we commit to pray and love our neighbor and nation as You loved us, that our reputation in this world would be rooted in Your love. Holy Spirit work and overflow through us in every prayer, thought, word, and deed. May our character, conversations, and conduct reflect the righteousness in which You clothed us and command us to live.
With an obedient heart we put on the full armor of God; Your breastplate of righteousness guards our heart from which flows the springs of life. We pray fervently for our communities and country; the people who are in the Church, Family, Education, Business and Workplace, Military, Government, Arts, Entertainment and Media. Every person is Your workmanship, fearfully and wonderfully created and loved.
With hopeful hearts we pray that all would choose to receive Your love and follow You…We ask that heavenly hope would flood our hearts, silence hate, and that You will heal our land.
Believing You are all You said, and all You have promised, we pray fervently in righteousness and avail much. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen!” 3
Footnote:
1.National Day of Prayer, 2023 website.
2 National Day of Prayer 2022 website
3. National Day of Prayer 2023 website
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