This year’s theme comes from Colossians 2:6-7: “Exalt the Lord who has established us.”
This theme is set against the backdrop of an inspiring painting created exclusively for the National Day of Prayer by renowned Christian artist, Ron DiCianni. The image illustrates God’s people joining His angels in EXALTING Him as we pray, because He is God Almighty.
America was founded on the Word of God. From the beginning, the pilgrims dedicated America “for the glory of God, and the advancement of the Christian faith,” as written in The Mayflower Compact. Let us pray for God to be exalted again in America!
Our Founding Fathers understood the power of prayer. In his Thanksgiving proclamation of 1789, President George Washington said, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” Benjamin Franklin shared this conviction when he said, “And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?” Franklin was imploring the Constitutional Convention to open each day in prayer.
The first Thursday of May was officially designated by the US Congress, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” The modern law formalized this observance in 1952. This year the President again did by public law issue a proclamation calling for a National Day of Prayer, and the 70th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer went on as planned and was celebrated in person in Washington D.C.!
Scripture also admonishes us to pray. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul says, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority.” God commands us to pray for everyone in authority, no matter who is in power.
As we needed the Lord’s help at the inception of our nation, we desperately need His help today. Our nation is in a time of turmoil and uncertainty — in our government, our economy, our schools, our churches, and our health care. Around the globe, wars and rumors of wars are heard in the news. But let us not forget — there were many times in our nation’s history when America was in crisis. But God’s people came together, humbled themselves, and prayed for God to intervene.
The result? God has bestowed unmatched mercy, grace, and blessing over our nation’s history.
Let us remember God’s faithfulness and exalt Him for who He is and what He has done for America!
Let us join together in lifting up America in prayer on the National Day of Prayer on May 5th, 2022.
(Information from the nationaldayofprayer.org and Patriot Mobile newsletter https://patriotmobile.com/email)
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