Pray for Our Nation on May 1st

By Jim Day

On Thursday, May 1st, our nation needs to fall to its knees in prayer as we observe the 52nd Annual National Day of Prayer (NPD). The theme of this year's observance is "Righteousness Exhalts a Nation…But Sin is a Disgrace to Any People." (Proverbs 14:34).

Prayer events will take place at approximately 40 locations throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area in observance of this solemn event. Typically, these events are held at city halls in the afternoon from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and in the evening from 7 to 8 p.m.  Times and locations may vary somewhat, so check the St. Louis National Day of Prayer web site at www.slcndp.org or call (314) 253-4291 for the event nearest you.

Major events will be held at St. Louis City Hall at 1200 North Market, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and at the St. Charles County Executive Building (the Old Courthouse) at 100 North 3rd Street in St. Charles, beginning at noon.

History of the National Day of Prayer

Because of the faith of many of our founding fathers, public prayer and national days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition. The Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in Marsh vs. Chambers (1983).

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. Each year, the 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.

The National Day of Prayer has great significance for us as a nation. It enables us to recall and to teach the way in which our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God when faced with critical decisions. It stands as a call to us to humbly come before God, seeking His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as a people. The unanimous passage of the bill establishing the National Day of Prayer as an annual event, signifies that prayer is as important to our nation today as it was in the beginning.

Like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this day has become a national observance and observed annually across the nation and in Washington, D.C. Last year, local, state and federal observances were held from sunrise in Maine to sunset in Hawaii, uniting Americans from all socio-economic, political and ethnic backgrounds in prayer for our nation. It is estimated that more than two million people attended more than 30,000 observances organized by approximately 40,000 volunteers. At state capitols, county court houses, on the steps of city halls, and in schools, businesses, churches and homes, people stopped their activities and gathered for prayer.

The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans. It is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens from all backgrounds. Mrs. Shirley Dobson, NDP chairman, reminds us: "We have lost many of our freedoms in America because we have been asleep. I feel if we do not become involved and support the annual National Day of Prayer, we could end up forfeiting this freedom, too."

Local Volunteers Needed

The St. Louis Community National Day of Prayer Committee has many volunteer opportunities. Church contact individuals are needed at every church in St. Louis County and surrounding communities in order to systematically prepare communities for the NDP. Church contacts are asked to get the NDP information on the monthly church calendar (for May), in weekly bulletins prior to the NDP and have the NDP information announced at Sabbath services prior to the observance. The committee will provide all the text and a schedule so that minimal effort will be required on the part of the church contact.

Event coordinators and back-up coordinators are also needed to organize and host mid-day (12:30 to 1 p.m.) and evening (7 to 8 p.m.) prayer at city halls.  Their primary responsibilities will include: 1) Maintaining church contacts in their municipality; 2) Encouraging and recruiting participation by the mayor, pastors, priests, community leaders and all citizens; 3) Being present and accountable at the events to lead the group in prayer.  An event format will be provided, although event coordinators can design their own events at city halls.

If you would be willing to serve the Lord in any of these capacities or, if you know someone at your church or at other Judeo-Christian churches that would be interested in volunteering, please call (314) 253-4291 or visit the St. Louis Community NPD web site at www.slcndp.org. Readers are also encouraged to visit the national NDP web site as well. Their web site address is www.nationaldayofprayer.org.