National Day of Prayer

May 6th is our National Prayer Day. Perhaps you have heard some news or seen rumors that President Obama has canceled National Prayer Day. This is decidedly false. President Obama supports our day of prayer and recognizes the necessity of it. In fact he wrote this in support last year:

Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have come together in moments of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer. In 1775, as the Continental Congress began the task of forging a new Nation, colonists were asked to observe a day of quiet humiliation and prayer. Almost a century later, as the flames of the Civil War burned from north to south, President Lincoln and the Congress once again asked the American people to pray as the fate of their Nation hung in the balance.



It is in that spirit of unity and reflection that we once again designate the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Let us remember those who came before us, and let us each give thanks for the courage and compassion shown by so many in this country and around the world.

(for a full reading of his proclamation or release: http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/090507-Proclamation.asp)



This year he continues to support the National Day of Prayer. For us, there are many in our families, our community, our church and around our world that are in need of prayer. In the last week or two alone I have talked with or heard from people close to me who are undergoing: divorce after being married for many years, marital problems (although not divorce), dealing with drug issues, dealing with issues of faith, been out of work since December with no employment in sight, dealing with husbands (or other family members) overseas in the Afghanistan and Iraq war, dealing with hospitalization and possible death, struggling with teenagers who are making poor life decisions, diagnosed with a debilitating disease.... In our own lives, this could be anyone of us and we could be struggling with any number of concerns and issues.



What can we do when we feel so helpless in these situations? Where do we turn? How do we overcome? How do we see light at the end of that dark, dark tunnel? How do we keep our faith, our hope and our spirits up? I want to invite you to a deeper relationship with Jesus through prayer. In our relationship with Jesus we can find answers to our difficulties. Does this mean God will suddenly land us that job? Or remove that cancer? Or bring back our loved one for war? Perhaps not. But in our relationship with Jesus we find a deeper understanding and semblance of peace and know there is a greater reward for us. We can feel a sense of assurance that all will be all right. As we do so, we can share this grace with those around us who are struggling.



On this Day of Prayer would you take some time to pray for those in need whom you know personally? Would you pray for your family, your church, your pastor, our nation’s leaders and for a world peace? Lastly, I ask you to pray for yourself. Let our God shape and mold us into the person God wants us to be, through our prayer.



Blessings to you,



Patrick