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57th Annual National Day of Prayer
MAY 1, 2008
Prayer! America’s Strength & Shield
by Brenda Barnes
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.
—2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
Prayer is not just a nifty idea. It provides the foundation for living in a blessed land.
This year millions will answer the call to prayer on May 1 to observe the 57th Annual National Day of Prayer, a yearly observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was established in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.
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“Americans of many faiths and traditions share a common belief that God hears the prayers of His children and shows grace to those who seek Him.”
—President George W. Bush
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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 my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped…(NIV).
The mission of the National Day of Prayer Task Force is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.1
As a premise for national prayer, and in accordance with biblical truth, the National Day of Prayer Task Force seeks to:
• Foster unity within the Christian church
• Protect America’s constitutional freedoms to gather, worship, pray
and speak freely
• Publicize and preserve America’s Christian heritage
• Encourage and emphasize prayer, regardless of current issues
and positions
• Respect all people, regardless of denomination or creed
• Be wise stewards of God’s resources and provision
• Glorify the Lord in word and deed2
Our Christian heritage is continually under attack and scrutiny. Now, more than ever before—and with the divine direction stated in 2 Chronicles 7:14—we must join together in prayer for our nation and its leaders. If we will pray, seek the face of God and turn from wickedness, God will forgive and bring healing to our land. This should be the heart’s desire of every Christian.
President George W. Bush stated it well in his 2007 National Day of Prayer proclamation: A prayerful spirit has always been an important part of our national character, and it is a force that has guided the American people, given us strength, and sustained us in moments of joy and in times of challenge…. Americans of many faiths and traditions share a common belief that God hears the prayers of His children and shows grace to those who seek Him. …and we can find comfort in the grace and guidance of a loving God.3
Make it your mission to participate in the National Day of Prayer on May 1 in some form or fashion. Locate a prayer group or an event in your community, or simply set aside a special time on this day to pray specifically for our leaders, our Christian heritage and values, our homes and families.
To focus specifically upon the theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer—“Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield”—remember the many times God has empowered this nation and shielded her in battle and dissension. Truly, we can proclaim, “The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.” Without Him, we are lost.
It is time that as a nation—a Christian nation—we take a stand for prayer as never before. We should be praying for our leaders—government, military, media, business, education, churches and families—every day. In a collaborative effort, to show the world that we mean business, take your stand on the National Day of Prayer. You won’t be alone.
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For more information about the 57th Annual National Day of Prayer, go to www.ndptf.org.
(1) www.ndptf.org/about/index.cfm (2) Ibid.
(3) www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases
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