An article in the Religious News Service, by Adelle Banks caught my eye this morning. She is concerned whether there is going to be an official White House observance marking the National Day of Prayer coming up on May 7th. She also wonders if the Obama White House will maintain an open door to those from the conservative circles such as James and Shirley Dobson as well as those from not so conservative circles. The National Day of Prayer was signed into law in 1952 by President Truman. President Reagan amended the law in 1988 declaring observances would be held the first Thursday in May. Former President George W. Bush was prominent in these services during his presidency. We certainly would not diminish the value and power of prayer, individually or nationally. As a matter of fact, Paul told Timothy to teach that we pray regularly for those who are in positions of leadership. It is vital that we do so for at least seven reasons: * in order for believers to live a quiet and peaceable life in godliness and fear *in order to freely preach the gospel to every creature *in order for Government be a terror to the wicked and a blessing to the good *in order for government to use their power with wisdom *in order for government officials to be drawn to Christ and experience salvation *in order that we may be thankful for God’s gift of government *in order that we might come to trust God’s sovereignty as He works out His purposes through local, state, federal, and worldwide governments My concern that legislating a National Day of Prayer outside of the guidelines declared in Scripture is useless and even ludicrous. What good does a nationally mandated day of prayer, involving any number of unredeemed individuals praying for items outside the scope of God’s requirements? What are God’s requirements? “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14 ESV) We can see at least four requirements for prayer to be heard and effective: *Prayer is to be made by God’s people *Prayer is to be made by people who have humbled themselves before God *Prayer is to be made by God’s people who are truly seeking Him as He is *Prayer is to be made by God’s people who have repented from their sin I am more concerned that the chosen race, the royal priesthood, the holy nation, the people who are God’s own possession, and who are now the people of God who have obtained mercy would proclaim loudly the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. I would challenge this aforementioned company to make supplication, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for kings and all that are in high positions everyday and not just May 7th.
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The prayers of the unsaved and obedient may not avial much other than it may draw them to Jesus and experience salvation. If it only does that, wouldn't that be marvelous!
May 7th is The National Day of Prayer. It’s not about just one day of prayer in 365. The day serves to highlight the need for intercessory prayer every day for our nation’s leaders and their families. Too often Americans whine about change for our nation yet are unwilling to bring the most powerful tool they process into action - prayer. And when they do pray they use prayer as a last resort instead of a first attack.
We have seen many examples (in newspaper and Internet article headlines) of the transforming power of corporate prayer. Communities have dramatically lowered crime, suicide, unemployment and drug usage in examples where only prayer could be pointed to as the agent of change.
Millions of Americans now participate in the National Day of Prayer each year (1st Thursday in May). Last May 1st, tens of thousands of prayer gatherings were held, covering every state. “Day of Prayer” declarations were made from the President of the United States and all 50 governors. Prayer observances were held in 110 federal prisons, YMCAs, national monuments, Indian reservations, military bases, stadiums, nursing homes, airliners crossing our nation, schools, town halls, in the Senate and Congressional chambers of many state capitols, and overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition to these public activities, people gathered to pray in their homes, churches, and other private places. PrayerFlight, a group of Ohio-based private pilots, organized “50 Capitols” where pilots and their passengers prayed as they flew over each respective capitol. They will fly again this year.
You can find info on events, resources and prayer at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
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