National Day of Prayer

Pastor Gary Oser

What special days come to your mind when you think of the month of May? You may think quickly of Mother’s Day or Memorial Day. I would suggest there is another day which is very important in the month of May—the National Day of Prayer.

Since the founding of our nation, there have always been calls for special days of prayer, thanksgiving and fasting. However, the National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by the President at that time, Harry S. Truman.

In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan designating the first Thursday of May to be recognized as a National Day of Prayer.

I hope you pray daily for our country and its leaders as we are exhorted to do in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. However, I think there is value in special times of prayer with others as well. I would encourage you to participate in our community National Day of Prayer.

I believe one of the most scriptural prayers we can pray for our nation are the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by My name, shall 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.”

As you pray for our country, there are just a few other things I would encourage you to include:

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Praise

It is easier to complain about all the evil and bad going on, but there are many things for which we can still be thankful and praise God.

Prayers of Confession and Repentance

First John 1:9 reminds us that, “if we confess our sins (which includes national sins) He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Prayers for Spiritual Awakening and Revival

Pray for the eyes of people which have been blinded by sin to be opened to the truth. Pray for our leaders to seek God rather than man’s wisdom.

Whether or not you are able to attend this year’s community National Day of Prayer, I urge you to set aside some time to pray earnestly for God to work powerfully across our country, bringing people to Himself and healing our land.