National Day Of Prayer seeks to unite God’s people
National Day of Prayer Task Force, February 25, 1999
On Thursday, May 6, millions of Americans will celebrate the 48th annual National Day of Prayer. According to Jim Weidmann, executive director of the non-denominational National Day of Prayer Task Force (NDPTF), “One of our goals is to bring Christians of various denominations together to participate in something they can all agree on: the power of prayer.” The task force seeks to meet this goal by working with a nationwide network of over three thousand volunteer event coordinators.
Congress and President Truman passed a resolution in 1952 establishing an annual National Day of Prayer. Observance of the day increased when Congress and President Reagan amended the law in 1988 by setting aside the first Thursday of May as the National Day of Prayer.
‘Light the Nation with Prayer’
The theme this year is “Light the Nation with Prayer,” based on Matthew 5:14-15, where Jesus tells his disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
The National Day of Prayer gives Christians of various denominations an opportunity to come together in unity and pray for our nation and its leaders. Many communities plan events involving numerous local churches and pastors, as well as local officials such as the mayor, chief of police, and others. The goal is to, in some way, fulfill Romans 15:5: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”
Youth can unite God’s people
Youth can play a dramatic part in uniting God’s people. See You at the Pole, observed each September, provides an opportunity for student organized prayer meetings on campus. The National Day of Prayer is also a great time for students to coordinate school events. This year the task force has partnered with Youth for Christ and Creative Youth Resources by producing P.R.A.Y. bracelets (praise, repent, ask, yield). as well as the “wordless book” Gospel message (different colors represent the Gospel).
Adopt-A-Leader kits allow people to adopt leaders on all levels of local, national, church and educational areas of influence. In keeping with the biblical mandate to pray for “kings and all those in authority” (1 Tim. 2:1-2), the task force encourages participation in the Adopt-A-Leader program.
For more information on National Day of Prayer events, contact the offices of the NDPTF at (719) 531-3379.
Robert Velarde is Media Coordinator for Shirley Dobson and the National Day of Prayer Task Force. He is editor of the PrayerLines newsletter.