It was 1952,
after leading a rally in Washington, that Billy Graham called on the nation for
a day of prayer. The following year President Harry Truman signed a
proclamation designating a National Day of Prayer and in 1988 Congress fixed
the first Thursday in May as the annual National Day of Prayer.
I’m not aware of
Canada observing a National Day of Prayer, but history does not deny the fact
that America’s origins on national prayer originate with its founding fathers. Over
the centuries, prayer was unashamedly called upon during time of war as well as
during prosperity. As recent as the 1990’s President Clinton encouraged people
to take a moment to acknowledge their need for guidance for the future. He
encouraged the nation to recognize their blessings, to acknowledge their wrongs, to remember the poor and to give thanks.( http://www.religioustolerance.org/day_pray2.htm
)
I also have noted
how in times of national hardship or natural disasters, it is not unusual for
the president to mention the need for prayer in some form or another. It just
may be that prayer has played a bigger part in the blessings that we have
enjoyed in North America than we care to recognize, because, for a number of
years now, the constitutionality of prayer has been challenged on one front
after another. National Day of Prayer just being one at the moment.
This leads me to
ask about the need of prayer, whether personally or as a nation. For me prayer
is a voluntary expression of my dependence on God. It is a result of a
relationship, having acknowledged that there is a God who created me, loves me
and even desires communion. Prayer has made such an impact on my life, that
living without prayer would be akin to living without fresh air. And yet prayer
is not something to be forced, rather an option and an opportunity given to
anyone who would like to witness for themselves whether it is authentic or
imaginative. This is one reason I would see a National Day of Prayer as a
unique opportunity to introduce someone to prayer and I am saddened by the
confrontation that a day of prayer would cause, when I truly believe that many
of the blessings we have experienced in this land are a result of those who
have gone before us in prayer.
On the other
hand, in a world trying to be politically correct, it may be reasonable to think
that a national day of prayer is something that should be advocated by churches,
rather than the government. It is not
that non-believers do not need to pray. In fact, God says that He will hear
anyone who calls on His Name. But I also take note of the fact the God is
talking to believers when He reminds them to pray always. In 2 Chronicles I
read
In the New testament
believers are called to pray and make intercession for kings and those in
authority, that they may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and
holiness. (1 Tim.2:1,2) It is with these kind
of exhortations that I would challenge believers to pray in season and
out of season. The call to prayer is to
those who believe and to those who would like to taste and see for themselves.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves
and pray
and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven
and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
11 comments:
When we lived in Camarillo I attended the National Day of Prayer events for the county at the Thousand Oaks civic Center. It was a good time to meet with the community at large for prayer. Many pastors from several churches broke up the crowd into smaller groups and led us in prayer.
I enjoyed reading your well thought out post Anneliese.
That is beautifully put, Anneliese.
Here on the island nearly every public meeting is started with a First Nation's prayer by an Elder. While it's not my tradition, I appreciate the acknowledgement of our need for the grace from prayer. This tradition seems to have escaped the PC clearing away of all other prayer. I, for one, am glad that there is at least this opportunity.
Great thoughts and encouragement to me this morning Anneliese.
There were actually two National Prayer Day events held on Parliament Hill this year in Ottawa....so yes it is observed but not as well known as in the USA.
Well said, Anneliese. I didn't know that the 1st Thursday in May was a Nat'l Day of Prayer. I'll look into it. Thursday is our women's Bible study day so that would be a good opportunity to devote some time to prayer.
Such timely words, Anneliese. "Prayer changes things" and prayer changes me. I like what you said about prayer just being a natural part of our relationship with God - not a forced ritual. I like the song that reminds us that "there's power in prayer." And even more amazing is the fact that our prayers live on - even after we're gone from this life. That is powerful!
Some ladies in our church are involved in National Day of Prayer activities each year. I'm not sure if it's held the same day as the US, but a number of Chilliwack churches do take part in it.
Having recently taken part in a group day of prayer, I agree that it is something we should do more often. After all Christ encouraged us to join together and present our requests in prayer.
Thank you for that reminder of the day of prayer Anneliese. It is like you say...that life would be without fresh air without the gift of prayer. I think I take it so forgranted and it makes me thankful just thinking about the gift.
It is stunning to read how often our elected officials called for days of prayer, days of fasting and days of thanksgiving (and by thanksgiving they didn't mean gorging on a big meal and watching football games!)
At least as countries we still have a day of prayer each year, if only one officially.
Some of America's founding presidents preached hour long sermons and called for people to repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Back then the idea was "freedom OF religion" instead of our current misinterpretation being "freedom FROM religion.
I've come to see my life as moment by moment...prayer without ceasing. Nothing formal, just quick little conversations with my Father.
Some of my friends say "I don't have time to pray as I would like." In my experience short, sincere conversations with Heaven are just as effective as formal lengthy ones. Some of the places I have found my self whispering a prayer are at a stop light, in line at the grocery store, or over a sink of dirty dishes. You can pray anytime, anywhere.
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