May 3rd – National Day of Prayer

 
Today is the 61st annual National Prayer Day. Designated by the United States Congress, the National Day of Prayer is annually observed asking people "to turn to God in prayer and meditation", on the first Thursday of May.
 
 
 
The National Day of Prayer is Significant

The National Day of Prayer has great significance for us as a nation. 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. 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. [1]

Like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this day has become a national observance placed on all Hallmark calendars and observed annually across the nation and in Washington, D.C. Last year, local, state and federal observances were held from sunrise in Maine to sunset in Hawaii, uniting Americans from all socio-economic, political and ethnic backgrounds in prayer for our nation. It is estimated that over two million people attended more than 30,000 observances organized by approximately 40,000 volunteers. At state capitols, county court houses, on the steps of city halls, and in schools, businesses, churches and homes, people stopped their activities and gathered for prayer. [2]
 
 
The National Day of Prayer is Ours
 

Remember to Pray Everyday

The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans. It is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens from all backgrounds. Mrs. Shirley Dobson, NDP chairman, reminds us: “We have lost many of our freedoms in America because we have been asleep. I feel if we do not become involved and support the annual National Day of Prayer, we could end up forfeiting this freedom, too.” [3]
 
 
 
 
 
View the historical time line for the National Day of Prayer.
 
 
Presidential Proclamation--National Day of Prayer
 
 
 
 
Sources:
[1], [2], [3] Historical Time Line for the National Day of Prayer and the Task Force (nationaldayofprayer.org)