Today, May 5, 2011 marks the 60th annual observance of “National Day of Prayer”. The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans.
Historically, our nation has called for a “Day of Prayer” since 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln called for such a day. Times have changed but our nations needs remain the same in many ways. On this day, it is importance to remember to pray specifically for the following, as they greatly impact our lives on a daily basis and looked upon as our areas of influence:
- Government: Pray all leaders in any capacity will lead with integrity.
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. ~ Proverbs 11:3 NIV
- Military: Pray for those who protect our country that they will be delivered from the enemy.
Deliver me [our military] from my [our nation's] enemies, O God; protect me [them] from those who rise up against me [our nation]. ~ Psalm 59:1 NIV
- Media: Pray for truth and morality to be presented.
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. ~ Matthew 12:36-37 NIV
- Business: Pray for those who are faithful that they will remember whose they are in the workplace.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you and example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." ~ 1 Peter 2:21-22 NIV
- Education: Pray that those who pursue education will be led in a righteous way, in safe, upright environments.
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6 NIV
- Church: Pray that the body of Christ will not cease to boldly proclaim the Word and for unity among the believers.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ~ Ephesians 4:3-6 NIV
- Family: Pray that these units will grow together in love and righteousness.
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. ~ Joshua 24:15 NIV
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
If you [America] return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children [citizens] will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you [America] if you return to him. ~ 2 Chronicles 30:9 NIV
Pray for our nation! As citizens enjoying the rights and freedoms afforded by the United States, it’s not too much to ask. I’m so proud to be an American! ~ Kim
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