National Day of Prayer   by Karen K. Gallagher, Associate Minister

Dear Friends,

    One of our church goals is to be more faithful in our prayer life. This month we have an excellent opportunity to do that. Throughout the history of our nation, our leaders have called upon God for His guidance and protection. "In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Harry Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. The National Day of Prayer has great significance for us as a nation. 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." 

    This year the National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 3. The bulletin insert on April 29 will help us as we set aside this time to be intentionally in prayer for our nation.

     II Chronicles 7:14 says: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will 1 hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 

    Sometimes it is difficult to know exactly how we should pray for our nation. Perhaps these words from President Abraham Lincoln will help. "During the early 1860s as the Civil War continued to rage and take its toll on the people of this nation, President Lincoln overheard someone remark that he hoped the Lord was `on the Union's side.' In reply, the President stated, `I am not at all concerned about that, for I know that the Lord is always on the side of right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side.' "* 

    May God speak to us and guide us as we seek His will and direction for our nation. 

In His Service, 

Karen K. Gallagher

 *Quotes taken from literature for the 2001 National Day of Prayer 

Our Father and Our God, We praise You for Your goodness to our nation, giving us blessings far beyond what we deserve. Yet we know all is not right with America. We deeply need a moral and spiritual renewal to help us meet the many problems we face. Convict us of sin. Help us to turn to You in repentance and faith. Set our feet on the path of Your righteousness and peace. We pray today for our nation's leaders. Give them the wisdom to know what is right, and the courage to do it. You have said, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." May this be a new era for America, as we humble ourselves and acknowledge You alone as our Savior and Lord. This we pray in Your holy name, Amen.  

Prayer by Dr. Billy Graham

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