National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer is a day set aside and designated by the US Congress and signed by President Harry S. Truman in 1952 as a day when people are asked to come together and pray, for local government, for State government, and for National government. It was created as a floating holiday in 1952 but set on the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan.

Shirley Dobson (wife of Focus on the Family founder, James Dobson) is currently the head of The National Day of Prayer Task Force, a non-governmental organization. The Task force's website says:

"Americans of all faiths are encouraged to participate in the [National Day of Prayer] according to their own traditions. However, the [National Day of Prayer] Task Force provides promotional materials and sponsors several events in keeping with the Judeo-Christian tradition".

This Nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian Values including Prayer. In 1775, the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming our nation!!! I read a story about a reporter coming into a joint session of the US Congress and looking for President Washington. When he asked someone “Which gentleman was President-General Washington?” the man responded, “The one on his knees leading Prayer!” President Lincoln issued a proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863… It was President Franklin Roosevelt who called for our nation to unite in prayer as American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in WWII… And just 7 ½ years ago it was President G.W. Bush who asked our Nation to Unite in Prayer after the Sept. 11th Attacks on our country! I remember there after seeing signs in public school yards, Government buildings, yards of Homes, on automobiles, and church yards saying, “God Bless the USA – and Pray 4-our Nation!” WOW how quickly we forget!

On May 7, 2009 we as a Nation will celebrate our 58th Annual Observance of The National Day of Prayer. As a Local Pastor and a Regional Chaplain I join with the Barbour County Ministerial Association inviting all of Barbour County to Unite in Prayer for our Nation!!! These are uncertain times we are living in, and the United States needs above all things for her people to come together before God and in the spirit of our forefathers; seek His Wisdom and His Blessings!!!