Kathy Branzell

Memorial Day is a significant day for our nation to gather together, as families, communities or organizations; to remember, reflect and honor the men and women who have died serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally called, “Decoration Day” because it was a day to decorate the graves of those who had died during the Civil War; it was later deemed “Memorial Day” and made an official national observance on the last Monday in May with Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 – 363). Different from Veteran’s Day, which honors all of those who have served, or who are currently serving in our Armed Forces; Memorial Day is a day of remembering and honoring those who sacrificed their lives while serving.

“Sacrifice”… this word conjures up a variety of definitions and examples in any given group of people. It has almost become like the word, “Love,” as we attach it to many acts and things. “I sacrificed sleep to stay up and watch the season finale of my favorite show,”   “I sacrificed my Saturday to help my friend move,” or “I sacrificed half my lunch because my coworker forgot hers.”  Merriam –Webster Dictionary defines “Sacrifice” as,

1. “ the act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get or do something else or to help someone.”

1. “an act of killing a person or animal in a religious ceremony as an offering to please a god.”

Real sacrifice is more than giving up a few hours of sleep, recreation or half of a sandwich; sacrifice involves pain, a significant loss, and an emotion or devotion behind a self-less act. Tears, and often times, blood; is shed. Men and women; sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, have sacrificed their lives so that others could live, evil could be thwarted and peace could return.

The ultimate example of sacrifice was expressed through Jesus. His life and sacrifice enabled us to “have life, and have it abundantly!” (John 10:10)

Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” NAS

Hebrews 10:14 declares, “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”

The sacrifice of the lives given by military men and women throughout the centuries has provided priceless protection and freedoms beyond understanding. We must be diligent to never take our freedom for granted. We can never forget the sacrifices that have been made so we can experience bountiful life and liberty. Memorial Day honors the gift of a life given so that many could live in peace.

Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice provides the path to be perfected, at peace with God and eternal life for all who would call upon Him as Lord and Savior. I pray that you would take time every day to reflect on all of the sacrifices that have been made so that we can live in faith and freedom. Thank you Lord for all of those who have sacrificed! Thank you most of all for your Son, Jesus!

Since the beginning of our nation, brave American men and women have given their lives defending our rights and freedoms. The motivation for this kind of sacrifice can be seen in the lyrics of the Army Hymn. These words not only recount their sacrifice, but the importance of their belief and faith in God. “Men in rags, men who froze, still that Army met its foes, and the Army went rolling along. Faith in God, then we're right, and we'll fight with all our might, as the Army keeps rolling along.”

A Day to Remember

As a nation, our leaders have set aside the last Monday of May, so that we can pause and honor those who so valiantly served their country and sacrificed their lives – for us, and for all who have been oppressed. On Memorial Day, at three o’clock in the afternoon, our national leaders have asked us to pause for a moment of silence. Let me suggest, that instead, keeping with the spirit of the verse above, we all pause to pray, and to give thanks to God for these national heroes.

 

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

A wise person once said, “Freedom is never free,” and that is certainly true in America. Widely considered America’s first spy, patriot Nathan Hale was hanged by the British on September 22, 1776, during the Revolutionary War. Before he gave his life for his nation, he gave these famous words: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Since the conception of America, the United States military men and women, such as Hale, have stood as a line of defense between the American people and those who would see this great land conquered. Today, all those who volunteer to stand downrange of enemy fire deserve our prayers.

Dear Father, I pray that You will protect the lives of the men and women of our armed forces. When they must go into battle, shield them about with a hedge of protection. Command Your angels concerning them to guard them in all their ways. Surround them on all sides, and let no weapon formed against them prosper. Let no harm befall them, no disaster come near their tent. Satisfy them with long life and show them Your salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

On May 5th, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the American tradition of public prayer does not violate the Constitution.

THIS RULING

• Preserves the public prayer tradition that began with our founding.

• Protects the freedom of community volunteers to pray according to their faith in a public setting, without censorship.

• Defends the prayer giver’s freedom of speech over an “offended" person’s demands for censorship.

For many, praying is an instinctive, soul-deep reaction to times of great joy, deep distress, and crushing grief, and permeates all aspects of life.

America’s Founding Fathers wove religious protections into our laws and government and took time to pray together publicly as they set about writing our Constitution.  Even today, our own government leaders pray before launching a day’s legislative work, inaugurating a governor or president, or speaking to families reeling from natural disasters and brutal terrorist attacks.

This decision from the Supreme Court affirms that Americans are free to pray.

But many elected officials still fear to protect this institution due to intimidation and misinformation. So, show your Support for Public Prayer.

Let your elected officials know that you believe in prayer! Make your voice heard by signing this prayer petition. Alliance Defending Freedom will send a letter to your elected officials informing them of the constitutionality of public prayer, and may include the collected names.

Every year, the National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force facilitates several events on Capitol Hill including the National Observance at the Cannon House Office Building. With speakers like Chuck Swindoll, Oliver North, Max Lucado, Beth Moore, and Franklin Graham, the expectations are always high and the response is overwhelming. More than one hundred thousand people tune in live, via video stream and televised broadcast, for what is sure to be a prayer event highlight reel as representatives from each branch of government, prominent ministries and businesses share encouraging and convicting messages with ambassadors, delegates, and individuals from all walks of life in the historic Caucus Room – and the 63^rd annual National Day of Prayer observance did not disappoint.

The morning began promptly at 9:00 a.m. eastern with the presentation of the colors by the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard and the National Anthem. Mrs. Shirley Dobson, Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, kicked off the momentous celebration with a warm greeting and introduction of both Rabbi Jonathan Cahn and Rabbi Neal Surasky.

Rabbi Cahn (author of The Harbinger) took the podium first and blessed the occasion with eloquent words and a personal challenge for how we should view the exercise of prayer and solemn assembly. Rabbi Neal Surasky then put the Shofar to his lips and belted out what seemed to be the longest held note to echo throughout the halls of Congress in the history of our nation. At that moment, we knew the prayer event had begun and not just in Washington D.C.

The line-up of speakers that followed were second to none with each building on the other, emphasizing repentance and a return to the God of our Fathers. After a series of convicting messages and prayers of reverence to the Almighty, Anne Graham Lotz, the 2014 Honorary Chairman and daughter of Dr. Billy Graham, concluded the gathering with the National Prayer that was spoken aloud in unison by the standing-room only crowd that had remained steadfast throughout the full 3-hour gathering.

It was a powerful and fitting way to conclude the National Observance while serving as a springboard to more than 43,000 similar gatherings that took place from coast to coast. In addition, an estimated 200 nations participated in the annual observance along with South Korea, India and Australia where prayer coordinators mobilized thousands to fast and pray for the United States. From pilots flying over capitols to petition from above, to balloon launches, parades, park gatherings and more, there were millions of prayers lifted up at an unprecedented level. President Barack H. Obama and all 50 Governors unanimously called on Americans to pray. Truly, the 63^rd annual National Day of Prayer was a historic moment in time for God’s church, across the oceans, to unite in prayer in One Voice. It was the largest such day of prayer in the modern era and already, many have started their planning efforts for May 7, 2015.

Immediately following the National Day of Prayer, the NDP Task Force, announced that it will be launching a Pray for America Bus Rally Tour in addition to hosting a gathering of prayer in Hollywood (www.HollywoodPrayer.org) to pray for media and entertainment. It is quite clear that the National Day of Prayer was not the end but only the beginning - a catalyst for a six-month prayer mobilization effort that could truly transform the cultural landscape across this great land.

Be sure to visit, www.NationalDayofPrayer.org for upcoming details on how you can get involved.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

One of our Nation's great strengths is the freedom we hold dear, including the freedom to exercise our faiths freely. For many Americans, prayer is an essential act of worship and a daily discipline.

Today and every day, prayers will be said for comfort for those who mourn, healing for those who are sick, protection for those who are in harm's way, and strength for those who lead. Today and every day, forgiveness and reconciliation will be sought through prayer. Across our country, Americans give thanks for our many blessings, including the freedom to pray as our consciences dictate.

As we give thanks for our liberties, we must never forget those around the world, including Americans, who are being held or persecuted because of their convictions. Let us remember all prisoners of conscience today, whatever their faiths or beliefs and wherever they are held. Let us continue to take every action within our power to secure their release. And let us carry forward our Nation's tradition of religious liberty, which protects Americans' rights to pray and to practice our faiths as we see fit.

The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a "National Day of Prayer."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2014, as a National Day of Prayer. I invite the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I join all people of faith in asking for God's continued guidance, mercy, and protection as we seek a more just world.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA
# # #

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

One of our Nation's great strengths is the freedom we hold dear, including the freedom to exercise our faiths freely. For many Americans, prayer is an essential act of worship and a daily discipline.

Today and every day, prayers will be said for comfort for those who mourn, healing for those who are sick, protection for those who are in harm's way, and strength for those who lead. Today and every day, forgiveness and reconciliation will be sought through prayer. Across our country, Americans give thanks for our many blessings, including the freedom to pray as our consciences dictate.

As we give thanks for our liberties, we must never forget those around the world, including Americans, who are being held or persecuted because of their convictions. Let us remember all prisoners of conscience today, whatever their faiths or beliefs and wherever they are held. Let us continue to take every action within our power to secure their release. And let us carry forward our Nation's tradition of religious liberty, which protects Americans' rights to pray and to practice our faiths as we see fit.

The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a "National Day of Prayer."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2014, as a National Day of Prayer. I invite the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I join all people of faith in asking for God's continued guidance, mercy, and protection as we seek a more just world.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA
# # #

John Bornschein

The 63^rd annual National Day of Prayer is only days away. So, why does the United States have a day of prayer, designated by Congress, signed into law by the President of the United States, recognized by all 50 Governors and observed by millions of people? The reason is clear. It is etched on buildings, monuments and memorials, defined in law and recited by students each and every day. Like it or not, this great nation is still Under God – a God who is active in the affairs of men and their governing authorities (Proverbs 8:15; 21:1, Daniel 4:25). Groups like Planned Parenthood and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, among others, oppose the idea that people are accountable to an Almighty God. But this is “nothing new under the sun,” as the author of Ecclesiastes once said (Eccl 1:9). Generation after generation, people seek to tear down the institutions that uphold what remaining moral layers prevail within a civilized society, offering nothing in return. After all, it is easier to tear down than to build up.

Consider this letter from Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Paine in response to Paine’s controversial book, Age of Reason:

I have read your manuscript with some attention. By the argument it contains against a particular Providence, though you allow a general Providence, you strike at the foundations of all religion. For without the belief of a Providence, that takes cognizance of, guards, and guides, and may favor particular persons, there is no motive to worship a Deity, to fear his displeasure, or to pray for his protection. I will not enter into any discussion of your principles, though you seem to desire it. At present I shall only give you my opinion, that, though your reasonings are subtle and may prevail with some readers, you will not succeed so as to change the general sentiments of mankind on that subject, and the consequence of printing this piece will be, a great deal of odium drawn upon yourself, mischief to you, and no benefit to others. He that spits against the wind, spits in his own face.

But, were you to succeed, do you imagine any good would be done by it? You yourself may find it easy to live a virtuous life, without the assistance afforded by religion; you having a clear perception of the advantages of virtue, and the disadvantages of vice, and possessing a strength of resolution sufficient to enable you to resist common temptations. But think how great a portion of mankind consists of weak and ignorant men and women, and of inexperienced, inconsiderate youth of both sexes, who have need of the motives of religion to restrain them from vice, to support their virtue, and retain them in the practice of it till it becomes habitual, which is the great point for its security. And perhaps you are indebted to her originally, that is, to your religious education, for the habits of virtue upon which you now justly value yourself. You might easily display your excellent talents of reasoning upon a less hazardous subject, and thereby obtain a rank with our most distinguished authors. For among us it is not necessary, as among the Hottentots, that a youth, to be raised into the company of men, should prove his manhood by beating his mother.

I would advise you, therefore, not to attempt unchaining the tiger, but to burn this piece before it is seen by any other person; whereby you will save yourself a great deal of mortification by the enemies it may raise against you, and perhaps a good deal of regret and repentance. If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be if without it. I intend this letter itself as a proof of my friendship, and therefore add no professions to it.[1]

Despite Franklin’s objections, Paine published his Age of Reason, infuriating many of the Founding Fathers. John Adams wrote, “The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity, let the Blackguard [meaning “scoundrel,” “rogue”] Paine say what he will.”[2] The idea of a people being united as one nation under God is like nails on a chalkboard to those who seek to run the streets of America with the fruit that brought Eden to ruin.

We cannot ignore the irony regarding those who seek to argue the case for atheism when they state that they have the truth to open the minds of people. The fact remains that it was God Himself who came to liberate the minds of men; He stated this clearly in the Gospel of John: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). It is absolutely essential that we know the truth.

Let’s take a gander through history for a moment. On February 7, 1954, Rev. George M. Docherty, a pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. preached a sermon titled “A New Birth of Freedom,” while none other than President Dwight D. Eisenhower sat in the audience. In the message, Rev. Docherty suggested that we are a nation “under God” and should be reminded of it daily as our children recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Docherty delivered this message on Lincoln Day, and it had a great impact on those listening—including President Eisenhower, who happened to be seated in the same pew that President Abraham Lincoln had occupied regularly.

A bill was presented to Congress, and on June 14, 1954, just four months later, President Eisenhower signed it into law, officially adding the words “under God” into the Pledge of Allegiance. The president was quoted as saying, “In this way, we are affirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.” The president then challenged the citizens of this great nation to remember the God of our fathers, for those two words captured “the characteristic and definitive factor in the American way of life.” Being a nation “under God” is deeply rooted in our history.

After President Eisenhower signed the bill, some who challenged the modification suggested that Francis Bellamy, the man who wrote the original pledge, would never have agreed to such a change. Yet it was Mr. Bellamy himself who used the phrase many times in 1892. Documents show that Ferdinand used the phrase when writing to Queen Isabella. Captain John Smith used the phrase when writing to Queen Anne. William Bradford, author of the Mayflower Compact, also used the phrase frequently when he dedicated America to the “advancement of the Christian faith.” More than 21 of the Founding Fathers—including John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson—used the term “under God” when addressing affairs in America.

The term “under God” dates back to the 13th century when Sir Henry Bracton (ca. 1210–1268), the father of modern law, wrote that the king was “sub Deo, et Lege” (“under God and Law”)—the phrase etched above the doors at Harvard Law School. This core philosophy of leadership was the basis of contention between Sir Edward Cokes and King James (1620) when the king was reminded that leaders must be accountable to God or nations will fall back into tyranny and justice cannot prevail. This historic dialog is etched on the door of the Supreme Court.

Ultimately, we are a nation that is spiritually, morally, and legally “under God”—and being so is healthy for this generation and the many to come. Those who desire to remove our accountability before Almighty God are the very same people who naïvely believe that a society without religion is a society of free thinkers—a world without restricting boundaries.

Jean Jacque Rousseau (1742) stated that humans are born “inherently good.” If this is the case, wouldn’t society be better if we could all just explore the potential of humanity in its raw, natural condition and remove the influences of culture and the chains that abound? Ultimately, it always comes back to the idea of removing God from the equation. Well, a nation did remove God, and as a result, 6 million people were murdered with cold and callused resolve from 1933–1945. The Jewish people were slaughtered—men, women and children—at the hands of the Nazi regime.

It was the Nazi perspectives of life that led to the formation of eugenics, a purposeful plan to remove the inferior aspects of humankind and produce the next evolutionary level in humanity. That philosophy still prevails today and was the core worldview of Margaret Sanger (1879–1966), who pioneered reproductive activism and wrote an eight-page monthly newsletter, which circulated throughout greater New York, called “The Rebel Woman—No Gods, No Masters.” She founded Planned Parenthood in 1946. Her efforts are directly responsible for the 1.3 million babies murdered every single year. That number is equal to 114,500 monthly; 26,400 weekly; 3,800 daily; roughly 158 per hour; 2.6 babies every second of every day. How is this any different from the gas chambers of Auschwitz, Germany?

When you remove God from the conversation and our accountability to Him, you remove the definitions of morality and the fact that all men were created equal with certain unalienable rights—endowed by a creator. Rather, we become a bio machine to be pruned and prodded until the next cycle in the evolutionary chain takes shape. Having worked at the United Nations, I can tell you that many world leaders share this view. They do not see people as beings created in the image of God. In their minds, we are simply populations of consumers – consuming the limited natural resources of the planet—contributors to their gross domestic product. Contrary to Jean Jacque Rousseau, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

We want to believe that deep down inside, people are good, but I am reminded of the wickedness of humankind—the animalistic nature within us—every time I turn on the news. On February 10, 2013, the cruise ship Carnival Triumph experienced a fire in the engine room, resulting in the electrical generators breaking down. The ship was left stranded at sea, floating directionless until help could arrive. The systems that provided running water and sewage filtration were limited. Other ships nearby provided food and supplies, but it wasn’t long before chaos ensued. The people on board transformed a beautiful cruise into Lord of the Flies. Despite the abundance of shelter, food, and supplies, patrons of the floating 4-star resort turned to crime and vandalism. Interior damage to the ship escalated out of control, putting lives in real danger—all due to the lawlessness of those on board. There was no order or accountability. This may be the best social experiment conducted on the human condition in decades. The ship’s patrons were stranded for only four days. All was well while the toilets were working, but in 48 hours, there was a total collapse of moral rationale and defining law.

Stories like this remind us once again that people are inherently wicked. In the words of the psalmist, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psa 51:5). We must heed the words of the prophet Jeremiah who said that people’s hearts are “deceitful … and desperately wicked” (Jer 17:9).

I love my children, but had they been born, fed, and left with no direction and then tossed into a room with other children and a box full of toys, you would have witnessed the ugly, sinful nature that flourishes within us all. It is only by God’s grace and mercy to teach and instruct us—to set up wise people in positions of authority to establish boundaries—that we have a civilized society at all.

When confronting the evils of the Nazi regime, it was the principles of being a nation “under God” that enabled the prosecution to define right and wrong and the crimes against humanity. At the Nuremberg Trials,[3] Justice Robert H. Jackson set the record straight when he said, “We do not accept the paradox that legal responsibility should be the least where power is the greatest. We stand on the principle of responsible government declared some three centuries ago to King James by Lord Chief Justice Coke, who proclaimed that even a King is still, ‘under God and the law.’ ”[4]

I praise God that our Founding Fathers were devout men of faith. If not for their wisdom and reverence for God, we would have had no laws allowing us to bring justice to those murderers. It was their vision that generations to come would honor God in this way. You need only to pick up the original text of the New England Primer, written in 1687, to see that it was our leaders who wanted all men to read and write, knowing the Scriptures, so they could keep the future leaders of this land accountable to God.

We are one nation under God, and a nation that is under God must stand under His virtues and give Him the praise and recognition for his bountiful blessings that He so rightfully deserves. Accumulative wisdom is not sufficient to navigate the challenges of the day. Therefore, “it is the duty of all nations to recognize the providence of Almighty God” – George Washington, October 1789. Remembering the God of Fathers is what prompted Thomas Jefferson to share these powerful words on March 4, 1801:

“Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth.”

The National Day of Prayer - a tradition of honoring God that began in 1774 at the First Congress when a minister was asked to open with prayer and to lead Congress in the reading of four chapters of the Bible - is a call to all of God's people to unite in prayer in one voice and one mind (Romans 15:6). It is a concept that was birthed in Scripture when the prophets Ezra and Joel (Ezra 9, Nehemiah 8-9, and Joel 1-3) called for the people to unite in humility and reverence before Almighty God. In fact 2 Chronicles 6:13-42 records that all of Israel gathered together to worship and pray unto God. Although the calendar dates have changed, the need for prayer has not. Let us unite on the largest Solemn Assembly in U.S. History and glorify the Lord, remembering that we are one nation, UNDER GOD.

 

John Bornschein

Vice Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force

 

 

 

Facts About the National Day of Prayer:

1) There have been 142 national calls to prayer, humiliation, fasting and thanksgiving by the President of the United States (1789-2013).

2) There have been 65 Presidential Proclamations for a National Day of Prayer (1952-2013). Gerald R. Ford (1976), George H. Bush (1989-91) and Barack H. Obama (2012) are the only U.S. Presidents to sign multiple National Day of Prayer Proclamations in the same year.

3) Every President since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.

4) 34 of the 44 U.S. Presidents have signed proclamations for National Prayer. Three of the Presidents who did not sign a proclamation died while serving in office. Two Presidents, not included in the count – William Howard Taft and Warren Gamaliel Harding, signed proclamations for Thanksgiving and Prayer.

5) Records indicate there have been 1,259 state and federal calls for national prayer since 1775 and counting.

Special Thanks to Phil Williams (Historian)  

Shirley Dobson

I learned to depend on the Lord early in my childhood. During those turbulent years, my mother held our little family together. Though she wasn’t a Christian at the time, she knew that she needed all the help she could get as she raised her children. So she sent my brother and me to church every Sunday, and it was there that I was introduced to Jesus Christ and invited Him into my heart.

As I learned how to pray and began speaking to the Lord, I sensed His love and care for me. Amid the chaos of our disintegrating family, this little girl found hope and comfort in Jesus. I’ve been praying and relying on Him ever since.

The many answers to prayer in my life have reinforced my belief in its power and importance. Prayer is our pathway not only to divine protection, but also to a personal, intimate relationship with God. That’s why I am so honored to be in my twenty-second year as chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. I count it a privilege to play a small part in calling people of faith to their knees.

Jesus demonstrated the significance of this intimacy with God to His disciples. He “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed “ (Luke 5:16). He “went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” (Luke 6:12). He even told the disciples the parable about justice for the persistent widow “to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1).

I have often wondered why the Bible places such a heavy emphasis on prayer, especially since Jesus reminded us during the Sermon on the Mount that “your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8). When I mentioned this to my husband, his response was both simple and profound: “Well, God desires a relationship with each one of us, and there is no relationship in eavesdropping!”

Indeed, the Lord desires personal, two-way conversation with me – and with you. You are His child. He wants you to seek Him, to love Him, and to spend time daily with Him. When you do, He hears and responds. Jesus said: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6).

If Christians would follow through on this truth, we would change our lives and the course of history. After all, just as prayer is important for us as individuals, it is also important to entire nations. One of my favorite Scripture verses is 2 Chronicles 7:14: “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.”

As I reflect on this verse, I am encouraged. Prayer groups are springing up throughout America. Our nation’s leaders are openly asking for prayer support from the public. As a matter of fact, members of both houses of Congress met recently in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol for a time of prayer and reconciliation. In the midst of our tumultuous times, God may be preparing hearts for a new openness to seeking Him through the lifeline of prayer.

How about you? Are you ready to renew or increase your own commitment to prayer? Do you want contentment in your heart and peace in your world? If your answer is yes – or even maybe – then let me introduce you to the National Day of Prayer’s four-step approach to effective communication with God. It’s simple, practical, and biblical. We call it P.R.A.Y. – Praise, Repent, Ask and Yield.

The apostle Paul urged that “requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior” (I Timothy 2:1-3). Let’s please God by actively seeking, through prayer, “peaceful and quiet lives” – for ourselves, our spouses, our children and grandchildren, our friends, and our nation.

Are you ready to know certain peace in uncertain times? Good. It’s time to P.R.A.Y.

The 63rd annual National Day of Prayer is only a few days away! So, here are some ways you can get involved:

Find an Event

There are more than 40,000 prayer gatherings taking place from coast to coast at a variety of venues and locations. From parades and rallies to church gatherings, there will be thousands of people crying out to God in prayer and worshiping Him so don’t miss the largest solemn assembly in America! Find a group near you and make it a priority to pause even for 1-hour to pray. To find a gathering near you, click here to search our Event Finder

Watch LIVE

The National Observance in Washington D.C. will be broadcast LIVE on GOD TV (DirecTV channel 365) and their networks on Thursday, May 1. You can also watch LIVE right on the National Day of Prayer website. This special event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 12:00 noon EST. Speakers include Anne Graham Lotz (daughter of Rev. Billy Graham), Dr. James and Shirley Dobson, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Mrs. Vonette Bright, The Honorable Bob McEwen, Congressman Mike McIntyre, Don Moen, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, Chaplain Father Patrick Conroy, Dr. Dick Eastman, Mr. David Butts, Mr. John Bornschein, and many more. Click here for a program line-up and to watch LIVE 

National Prayer

At 12:00 noon – starting on the East Coast – the National Day of Prayer Task Force is encouraging groups far and wide to read and pray the National Prayer. This will create a wave of reverent prayer and repentance across the country ending at 3:00 p.m. EST. The National Prayer was written by Honorary Chairman, Anne Graham Lotz and is available in print and audio download format on the National Day of Prayer website. Click here to read the National Prayer now 

National Prayer Call

On Thursday, May 1 at 10:00 p.m. EST, the National Prayer Call will begin featuring prayer leaders from across the country and we invite you to join with us. All you need is your telephone. Simply call 712-432-0075 (enter PIN: 4961322#). During this call we will pray and celebrate all that God has done as His people unite in one voice.

Mobilize Your Community to Prayer

There is still time to find the resources you need to mobilize your church, business, school, and community to prayer. There are a number of event ideas, promotional tools and resources you can use right now to get started. Also be sure to list your gathering on our website so others can find it. The Scriptures tell us that where two or more are gathered, there He is in their midst (Matthew 18:20). So, start simple and enjoy the journey. Organizing prayer is exciting and we are delighted you have joined with us in this ministry to our nation.

Our goal is to see communities transformed across America through the power of prayer and that happens one family at a time. Lives are being changed and we pray in expectation believing that God can and will make a difference if we seek Him (II Chronicles 7:14). Together we can make a difference – ONE VOICE, UNITED IN PRAYER!