Next Thursday, May 5, is the 65th annual National Day of Prayer, a vital part of our heritage beginning with 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. 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.
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. 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.
The chosen scripture for this year is Isaiah 58:1 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.” That’s what we will be doing here in Shelby County on Thursday, May 5th at noon on the Court House square. All are invited to gather for prayer, music, and personal accounts from historical Shelby County figures whose spirituality inspired, guided, and sustained them during a time of need. Complimentary lunches will be given to all who attend.
With this event only a week away I thought it might be good for us to unite in prayer for the seven significant elements of our society.
1. Government. Let us pray for our national government officials, our state officials and our local officials, our law enforcement officers, and our diplomats. Let us pray for decisions being made during times of national crisis, our relationships with foreign countries, and the election. Let is ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity. Let us recall these scriptures: “When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.” 1 Kings 3:28. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1-2
2. Military. Pray for divine protection and guidance for our armed forces as we remember those on active duty and their loved ones at home. Lift up in prayer the veterans, POWs, MIAs, and all the chaplains attending the spiritual needs of these precious citizens of our country. Let us pray for protection from nuclear and chemical weapons utilized by terrorist as well as assistance during times of natural disasters. Psalm 5:11 reminds us, “Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
3. Media. Pray for truth and morality to be presented. Proverbs 12:18-19 calls us to remember that, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” As we pray for TV broadcast of news and entertainment, newspapers, movies, the music industry, and all the various ways that culture is seen and heard in our world help us to remember the words of Paul found in Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
4. Social Services. It would be beneficial for us to pray for the morality of our nation, state, community, and our homes. As agencies endeavor to assist individuals and families pray that each will be seen as children of God and all will be served as equals. Pray for jobs that fit the God-given skills of each so they may be gainfully employed and provide for their individual and family needs. Let us pray that there be an end to addictive and abusive behaviors. Let us pray that people will follow the commandment to “love one another” and that the golden rule (Treat others as you wish to be treated.) will be used as a measuring tool for all of our relationships. Pray for our families.
5. Education. Pray for safety, sound instruction, and wholesome environments for all of our educational systems and educators and support staff. Pray for all schools: private and parochial, colleges and universities, vocational schools and pre-schools. Pray for all of the students to value the education they are receiving and for their parents to take an active role in the process alongside the teachers.
6. Business. Pray that God will raise up His ambassadors in the workplace. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 Pray the employers will provide a safe work environment where workers are valued and products are held in high esteem by those who purchase them.
7. Religion. Pray for unity and boldness in proclaiming God’s Word. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Please join me in prayer.
