National Day of Prayer
Today, Thursday May 5, 2011 marks the 60th annual National Day of Prayer. Prayer brings us into the presence of Almighty God. In our seasons of trial, in our times of prosperity, when we don't know where to turn, He is our answer. Scripture tells us, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12) and He is faithful to those who turn to him.
According to the NationalDayofPrayer.org
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.I had the privilege of attending an hour long prayer meeting at the White County Courthouse in Searcy, Arkansas. What an humbling experience to come together with so many people of different "denominations" to pray to ONE GOD as one sovereign nation!! It really was a treat. Obviously it was my first time to attend a public prayer meeting on the NDOP, but it will definitely not be my last.
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.
I was proud to attend with my Mother-In-Law, a very strong woman in Christ. I had been debating on going. My husband was out of town and was not able to attend with me and I was uncertain if I wanted to go by myself. The Lord knew this and he sent an angel (Martha Black) to go with me. Of course the meeting began with an opening prayer and pledge to the United States Flag.
Prayers were said on six different topics including Government, Church, Military, Family, Education, and Media. A prayer was lead as a group and then we were given a few minutes to pray either individually or in groups {Prayer Warriors}. Martha and I were lucky enough to meet up with Searcy Living's Own Stephanie McInturff who has posted some photos on their Facebook Page. Thanks, Steph for praying with me! It was really was an awesome experience to pray with you ladies.
The event ended as balloons were released into the air with the prayers of children. What a wonderful sight it was to see! Were you able to attend a local NDOP meeting in your area?
"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."
Psalm 91:2
