).png)
Today is the National Day of Prayer, an annual day of observance celebrated by Americans of various faiths. The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday in May. This day of observance, designated by the United States Congress, asks people “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” National Day of Prayer is biblical because, it is scriptural for Christians to gather to pray for the wisdom, safety, and guidance of our leaders; to offer thanksgiving for our national blessings; and to seek forgiveness for our national sins. The ecumenical nature of the National Day of Prayer is vital in a democracy that values freedom of religion. No one should be coerced to pray in a way that is at odds with his or her faith.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force should be free to coordinate events for Christians who wish to participate. It is imperative for Christians to make every attempt to attend a National Day of Prayer event within their Body of Faith or Community Outreach Organization. Personal discretion and a case–by –case evaluation which is necessary, especially if the event is ecumenical. Christians must weigh their support of the community against the impact ecumenism will have on their testimony of faith in Christ alone.
We should be thankful that the United States has a National Day of Prayer and that the God of the Bible is so strongly represented. There will likely come a time when this will not be the case. It should be our plans to feel free to publicly pray for healing, forgiveness, and guidance for our nation and its leaders. Our influence as Christians in the public compass is quickly weakening, and we should take advantage while we can.