[For GraniteGrok by Gigi L.]
A call for people to Pray
In 1775 the First Continental Congress “Designated a time for prayer in forming a new Nation."
1863- Abraham Lincoln called for a National day of prayer & fasting during the Civil War.
1952 – A bill proclaiming an annual National Day of Prayer was passed unanimously by Congress. President Truman signed it into law. It required each President to select a day for national day of prayer each year.
1972 – National Prayer Committee was created.
1988 – A bill was introduced to make the National day of Prayer the first Thursday in May. It received bipartisan support and became a law. It was signed by president Reagan on May 5th, who commented, "On our National Day of Prayer, then, we join together as people of many faiths to petition God to show us His mercy and His love, to heal our weariness and uphold our hope, that we might live ever mindful of His justice and thankful for His blessing."
1993-1998- The National day of Prayer continued with each President recognizing the importance of this day. President Clinton in his 1997 signing said, "Let us uphold the tradition of observing a day in which every American, in his or her own way, may come before God seeking increased peace, guidance, and wisdom for the challenges ahead."
The National Day of Prayer has had its critics, led by groups who refuse to accept any type of religion. Rather than simply choose to not participate, some have gone so far as to protest this special day. Fortunately, these actions have thus far not changed the spirit of this tradition our Founders thought so important. This National Day of Prayer is an opportunity to reflect and pray for our Nation and all her people.
Americans are the sort of people that, when a tragedy strikes, we automatically and immediately reach out and help. In every community across the Nation, people do this in many ways, sacrificing time and effort, oftentime never realizing that this is what our Creator expects of us. There is no doubt that such actions are the answers to the prayers of those in need. In this way, the act of praying becomes a vital part of fulfilling the greatest commandment of all: "Love one another as I have loved you."
Whether or not you want to accept God as your Creator, he has an influence on how each and every one of us lives our lives. For many He is a last resort when faced with difficulties, yet amazingly enough, when people pray, worries become less and at times solutions become clearer.
Today, Thursday May 1st, is the National Day of Prayer. According to the Day of Prayer Task Force website,
The theme for this year is "Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield" and is based on the verse from Psalm 28:7 which states: "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped."
At any time of the day or night we can call on Jesus. He is always waiting, listening for our call. What a wonderful blessing. No phone needed, no e-mails, just a whisper…
