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National Observance – Thursday, May 1, 2014

Cannon House Office Building – Caucus Room 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance – Mr. John Bornschein, Vice Chairman National Day of Prayer Task Force

Opening Remarks – Mrs. Shirley Dobson, Chairman National Day of Prayer Task Force

Scripture Reading – Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, President of Hope of the World Ministries

Blowing of the Shofar – Rabbi Neal Surasky, Chosen People Ministries

Prayer of Blessing – Rev. Patrick J. Conroy, S.J. Chaplain, U.S. House of Representatives

Prayer for the Nations – Ambassador Bobby Little and Ambassador Zoran Jolevski (Republic of Macedonia)

A Congressional Welcome – Congressman Robert Aderholt (Alabama)

Worship – Don Moen

Prayer of Repentance – Jeff Noel, National Prayer Committee

Judicial Branch Remarks – Judge Maurice Foley

Prayer for the Judicial Branch – Dr. Dick Eastman, Every Home for Christ

Personal Remarks – Dr. James C. Dobson, Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk

Legislative Branch Remarks – Congressman Mike McIntyre (NC, 7th District)

The Legacy of Prayer in America – The Honorable Bob McEwen

Military Remarks – Major General Joseph S. Ward, Jr.

Prayer for the Military Branch – Chaplain Wayne Brittian (LTC)

Keynote Speaker – Anne Graham Lotz, Honorary Chairman National Day of Prayer Task Force

Prayer for the Executive Branch – Mr. David Butts, Harvest Prayer Ministries

Prayer Challenge – Mr. John Bornschein and Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

Closing Song – Don Moen

This program agenda is tentative and subject to change.

This special observance was hosted by Congressman Robert Aderholt (Alabama, 4th District)

Anne Graham Lotz, 2014 Honorary Chairman and daughter of Rev. Billy Graham, delivered a powerful message on prayer and repentance at the National Observance of the 63rd annual National Day of Prayer. Her 29-minute appeal to God's people was one of the highlights of the solemn assembly in Washington D.C. and was viewed around the world in more than 200 countries.


The 2014 National Observance was broadcast on DirecTV channel 365 and streamed LIVE on this website.[hr]  

National Observance in Washington DC - National Day of Prayer Task Force

Called “the best preacher in the family” by her father, Billy Graham, Anne Graham Lotz speaks around the globe with the wisdom and authority of years spent studying God’s Word.

The New York Times named Anne one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation. She’s been profiled on 60 Minutes, and has appeared on TV programs such as Larry King Live, The Today Show, and HannityLive. Her Just Give Me Jesus revivals have been held in more than 30 cities in 12 different countries, to hundreds of thousands of attendees.

Whether a delegate to Davos’ Economic Forum, a commentator to the Washington Post, or a groundbreaking speaker on platforms throughout the world, Anne’s aim is clear – to bring revival to the hearts of God’s people.  And her message is consistent – calling people into a personal relationship with God through His Word.

Anne is a best-selling and award-winning author. Her most recent releases are Fixing My Eyes on Jesus, Expecting to See Jesus, Wounded by God’s People and her first children’s book, Heaven: God’s Promise for Me.

Anne and her husband Danny Lotz have three grown children and three grandchildren.  She is the founder and president of AnGeL Ministries.

Greg Laurie is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California and Harvest Orange County in Irvine, California. He began his pastoral ministry at the age of 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people.

Since then, God has transformed that small group into a church of some 15,000 people. Today, Harvest is one of the largest churches in America, and consistently ranks among the most influential churches in the country.

In 1990, Laurie began holding large-scale public evangelistic events called Harvest Crusades. Since that time, more than 4,405,000 people have attended Harvest Crusades events around the United States, ranging from the annual event at Angel Stadium in Anaheim to Madison Square Garden in New York City. Greg spoke to 50,000 people at a 2011 Harvest Crusade in Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium. Harvest Crusades have also been held internationally in Australia and New Zealand. More importantly, more than 370,900 people have registered professions of faith through these outreaches.

Laurie is the featured speaker of the nationally-syndicated radio program,  A New Beginning, which is broadcast on more than 500 radio outlets around the world. A New Beginning is also one of the most popular Christian podcast downloads on Apple’s iTunes Store.

Laurie has a weekly television program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, and he has appeared on many other television news programs. Along with his work at Harvest Ministries, Laurie serves on the board of directors of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He holds honorary doctorates from Biola University and Azusa Pacific University.

In addition to speaking and assisting other ministries, Laurie has authored over 70 books including  Signs of the Times, As I See It, Hope for Hurting Hearts, Married.Happily., Essentials, What Every Christian Needs to Know, Upside Down Living, The Greatest Stories Ever Told, and many more.

His autobiography,  Lost Boy, was released in June 2008 by Regal Books and continues to be one of the bestselling Christian biographies of all time. The accompanying documentary film, Lost Boy: The Next Chapter, has won eight awards at International film festivals in the best documentary category.

Laurie has written study notes for the bestselling  The New Believer’s Bible and The Seeker’s Bible. He also wrote the notes for the recently released Start! Bible in the New King James Version, published by Thomas Nelson. Greg is presently working on a new Bible project for Thomas Nelson called Refresh, which is a devotional Bible.

Greg has been married to Cathe Laurie for 38 years and he has two sons, Christopher and Jonathan. Christopher went to be with the Lord in 2008. Greg and Cathe also have five grandchildren.

For more information about Pastor Greg, visit his personal homepage at www.greglaurie.com or his ministry website, www.harvest.org.

 

2013 National Prayer

Father, we come to You to pray for our nation, the United States of America.

How You have blessed us through the years, Lord! We rightly sing, “America, America, God shed His grace on thee.” Yet we see trouble in our culture today. We see the breakdown of the family, crippling addictions, and random acts of horrific violence.

Lord, we need Your help in America. In recent days, we have done our best to remove Your Word and Your counsel from our courtrooms, classrooms and culture. It seems, as President Lincoln once said, that we have “forgotten God.” But Lord, You have not forgotten us! You can bless and help and revive our country again.

Scripture tells us that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs14:34). Lord, in Your mercy, we ask that You would exalt our country again. We have had a number of great awakenings in America. We have experienced times of refreshing, and revivals that changed not only the spiritual but also the moral landscape. As the psalmist said, “Will You not revive us again, so that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6)

That is our prayer for America today, Lord. Send a mighty spiritual awakening that will turn the hearts of men and women, boys and girls back to you. You have told us if we will humble ourselves and pray, and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways, that You will forgive our sins and heal our land. (2 Chronicles7:14)

Forgive us today, Lord, and heal this troubled land that we love so much.

We ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

2013 Oración Nacional

Padre Celestial, Toda buena dádiva y todo don perfecto proviene de Ti. Tú eres un Dios fiel y tu misericordia es eterna.

Tú has prometido bendecir  la nación que en Ti confía. Nuestra moneda proclama “En Dios Confiamos”, pero en nuestra cultura estamos muy lejos de Ti.

En las palabras del profeta Daniel: "Hemos pecado,  hemos cometido iniquidad, hemos actuado impíamente, nos hemos rebelado, y nos hemos apartado de Tus mandamientos y Tus ordenanzas”.

Venimos ante Ti, una vez más, en busca de Tu perdón y misericordia. Tú, oh Dios, eres nuestra única esperanza... Escucha nuestra oración y, por el amor a Tu nombre, que brille Tu rostro sobre esta nación.

Da a nuestros líderes el deseo de buscar la sabiduría y la valentía de seguir Tu guía... y vela por los hombres y mujeres de nuestras fuerzas armadas, ya que ellos se sacrifican por causa de la libertad.

Te damos las gracias por todo lo que has hecho por nosotros, y sinceramente oramos para que nos ayudes a ser, una vez más, una nación cuyo Dios es el Señor.

En el nombre de Tu Hijo y nuestro Salvador, hacemos esta oración.

Amén

Dr. David Jeremiah, founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain.

Community Church, felt God’s calling on his life at a very early age. Born February 13, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Jeremiah was raised in a family deeply committed to ministry. At the age of eleven, Dr. Jeremiah and his family moved to Dayton, Ohio where his father, Dr. James T. Jeremiah, was the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, and in 1953 became the President of Cedarville College in Cedarville, Ohio.

As Dr. Jeremiah was sensitive to God’s leading in his life, he followed in his father’s footsteps. In 1963, Dr. Jeremiah received a Bachelor of Arts from Cedarville College. In that same year, Dr. Jeremiah married his college sweetheart, Donna Thompson who also was attending Cedarville College as a business major. He went on to earn a Masters degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1967. He completed additional graduate work at Grace University and was granted the Doctor of Divinity degree from Cedarville College in 1981.

In 1969, Dr. Jeremiah began Blackhawk Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and developed a Christian school grades K through 12. In the 12 years he served as pastor, Blackhawk Baptist Church grew from 7 families to 1300 members. He also launched The Bible Hour television program.

Dr. Jeremiah heeded God’s call, and in 1981 he and his family moved to California where he became the senior pastor of Scott Memorial Baptist Church, now Shadow Mountain Community Church.

Shadow Mountain Community Church is one of the largest churches in San Diego County. It is also the home of Southern California Seminary and Christian Unified Schools.

As Dr. Jeremiah began his ministry at Shadow Mountain, he felt God’s calling to continue the broadcast ministry he started in Fort Wayne. In 1982, Turning Point Ministries became a reality.

Today, Turning Point's 30-minute radio program is heard nationally and internationally on over 1800 stations and translator/satellators. In recognition of Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment to teaching the Word of God, he received the Broadcaster of the Year Award in 1999 from the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), in August 2002, received the Award of Merit from the Western Chapter of National Religious Broadcasters for Excellence in Broadcasting and Faithfulness in Service, and in 2006 Turning Point received the Best Radio Teaching Program Award. Dr. Jeremiah has served on the Board of Directors for the NRB since 1996.

Turning Point launched a television program in 1982 in San Diego and went nationwide in 2000. Now seen around the world through cable and satellite technology, as well as on terrestrial stations all across the United States, conservative estimates suggest that close to 200 million homes around the world have access to Dr. Jeremiah's Bible teaching each week. Turning Point Television offers a half-hour Bible study message and a full hour worship service with the same great preaching. Carried on several national and international networks such as TBN, ION, and INSP, Turning Point Television has most recently been added to Middle East TV Network.

Dr. Jeremiah is a sought-after conference speaker for organizations around the country. He frequently speaks at Cedarville College, Dallas Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, Billy Graham Training Center, Phil Waldrep’s Senior Adult Celebrations and numerous NFL, NBA and Baseball chapels.

Along with his speaking schedule around the country, Dr. Jeremiah also finds time to fulfill another passion in his life, writing. His books are always gripping and right to the point. Some of his books include Escape the Coming Night, The Power of Encouragement, What the Bible Says About Angels, Prayer The Great Adventure, which brought him The Gold Medallion Award in 1998, God In You, Gifts from God, Jesus' Final Warning, A Bend in the Road, Slaying the Giants in Your Life, My Heart’s Desire which gave him another Gold Medallion Award in 2003, Sanctuary, his first daily devotional book, The Things that Matter, The Prayer Matrix, Searching for Heaven on Earth, a book that he co-authored with world renown artist, Thomas Kinkade, The Secret of the Light, a second devotional book, Turning Points, Captured by Grace, which put Dr. Jeremiah on the best-sellers list for USA Today and The Wall Street Journal, Signs of Life, which made The New York Times best-seller list, What in the World Is Going On?, which made The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists, The 12 Ways of Christmas, Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World, which made The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly, and USA Today best-seller lists, The Coming Economic Armageddon, which made The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly best-seller lists, and his most recent book, I Never Thought I'd See the Day! Culture at the Crossroads.

A dedicated family man, Dr. Jeremiah believes that without the support and encouragement of his wife, Donna, Turning Point would have never been brought into existence. He and Donna have four grown children and eleven grandchildren.

Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment is to teaching the whole Word of God. His passion for people and his desire to reach the lost are evident in the way he communicates Bible truths and his ability to get right to the important issues. Dr. Jeremiah continues to be excited to see what God is going to do in broadcast ministry around the world through the ministries of Turning Point.

 

2012 National Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Every good gift and perfect gift comes from You. You are a faithful God and Your mercy endures forever.

You have promised to bless the nation that trusts in You. Our currency proclaims “In God We Trust,” but in our culture we are far from You.

In the words of the prophet Daniel, "We have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments."

We come before You once more, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy. You, O God, are our only hope… Hear our prayer and, for Your honor’s sake, shine Your face upon this nation.

Give our leaders the desire to seek your wisdom and the courage to follow your guidance… and watch over the men and women of our armed forces as they sacrifice for the cause of freedom.

We give you thanks for all You have done for us, and we earnestly pray that You will help us become, once again, a nation whose God is the Lord.

In the name of Your Son, and our Savior, we pray this prayer.

Amen

Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Joni and Friends International Disability Center, is an international advocate for people with disabilities.

A diving accident in 1967 left Joni Eareckson, then 17, a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands. After two years of rehabilitation, she emerged with new skills and a fresh determination to help others in similar situations.

Her best-selling autobiography Joni has been translated into more than 45 languages, introducing her to people around the world. She has authored more than 50 books, including her latest A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain and God's Sovereignty. Joni has served on the National Council on Disability and the Disability Advisory Committee to the U.S. State Department. She is Senior Associate for Disability Concerns for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization and serves in an advisory capacity to the American Leprosy Mission, the National Institute on Learning Disabilities, and Christian Blind Mission International, as well as on the Board of Reference for the Christian Writers Guild and the Christian Medical and Dental Society.

She has received numerous awards and honors, including the American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award; The Courage Award from the Courage Rehabilitation Center; The Award of Excellence from the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center; The Victory Award from the National Rehabilitation Hospital; and The Golden Word Award from the International Bible Society.

In June of 2010, Joni was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Having undergone surgery and chemotherapy, she remains committed to invest her energies and efforts in kingdom building initiatives around the globe.

Regarding her most recent role as honorary chair person of the National Day of Prayer, Joni observes, "I’m so grateful to God He has given me the health and stamina to call the people of our nation into faithful and specific prayer for our country.  I look forward to fulfilling my responsibilities in this important role and I trust the Lord will use me to inspire and encourage others to cultivate a lifetime habit of prayer!"

 

2011 National Prayer

Almighty God, you are our Mighty Fortress, our refuge and the God in whom we place our trust. As our nation faces great distress and uncertainty, we ask your Holy Spirit to fall afresh upon your people — convict us of sin and inflame within us a passion to pray for our land and its people.

Grant the leaders of our country an awareness of their desperate need of wisdom and salvation in You until sin becomes a reproach to all and righteousness exalts this nation.

Protect and defend us against our enemies and may the cause of Christ always prevail in our schools, courts, homes, and churches. Lord God, send a spirit of revival and may it begin in our own hearts.

Remember America, we pray. Remember the foundations on which this country was built. Remember the prayers of our nation’s fathers and mothers, and do not forget us in our time of need.

In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Franklin Graham, Christian Leader

Franklin serves as president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the international relief and evangelism organization Samaritan's Purse—respected not-for-profit organizations with combined annual budgets of more than $439 million. He has met privately with five U.S. Presidents as well as world leaders from Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Using traditional and social media and speaking opportunities, Franklin regularly speaks to current moral and social issues, challenging Christians to make a difference in the world. He also offers biblical context and application to current national and world events. Through the organizations he leads he has been instrumental in helping people impacted by crises including the 9-11 terrorist attacks, civil war in Sudan and natural disasters ranging from the tsunami in South Asia to the massive earthquakes in China, Haiti and Japan.

Franklin Graham, Evangelist

Franklin conducted his first evangelistic event in 1989 and now conducts Franklin Graham Festivals around the world for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). He has preached to more than 7 million people in cities from Johannesburg, South Africa to Tupelo, Miss.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association appointed Franklin Graham CEO in 2000 and president of the organization in 2001.

Franklin Graham, International Relief Worker

"I've been called to the slums of the streets and the ditches of the world." —Franklin Graham

When Franklin was in his early twenties, Dr. Bob Pierce, founder of Samaritan's Purse, invited Franklin to join him on a six-week mission to Asia. It was during that time that Franklin felt a calling to work with hurting people in areas of the world affected by war, famine, disease, poverty and natural disaster.

Franklin was elected to the Board of Samaritan's Purse in 1978, and one year later, following the death of Dr. Pierce, he was elected president of the organization. Today, he serves as president and CEO of the international relief and evangelism organization headquartered in Boone, N.C. It has affiliate offices in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, plus partners and field offices around the world.

Growing Up Graham

William Franklin Graham III, born July 14, 1952, is the fourth of five children of evangelist Billy Graham and his wife, the late Ruth Bell Graham. Raised in a log home in the Appalachian Mountains outside Asheville, N.C., Franklin now lives in Boone, N.C.

In his autobiography, Rebel with a Cause, Franklin explained that "just being the son of Billy Graham won't get me into heaven." He knew that he was being called to do more with his life and to make a real commitment to God. So at age 22, after a period of rebellion and traveling the world, Franklin committed his life to Jesus Christ while alone in a hotel room in Jerusalem.

Franklin and his wife, Jane, have four children, Will, Roy, Edward and Cissie, and eight grandchildren.

2013 National Observance, Washington, D.C.

[typography font="Cantarell" size="24" size_format="px"]"Pray that we will be able to weather the storm that I am almost certain will come – that we will not be required to put aside our Constitutional rights." - Rear Admiral William D. Lee[/typography] [hr]

Every year, the National Day of Prayer Task Force coordinates several events on Capital 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, 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 62nd 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 by the Brass Quintet. 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 Daniel Lapin and Rabbi Neal Surasky.

Rabbi Daniel Lapin took the podium first and blessed the occasion with eloquent words of personal evaluation as to how we view the exercise of prayer; “It is the entirety of the Bible that is the blueprint to goodness, decency, hope, optimism and faith. Prayer is not surrendering to the spasm of superstitious reflection, rather, prayer is asking God and supplicating to God.”

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.

...Our nation is under the care and providence of Almighty God and has confidence that He will guide the course of our nation..." - Father Jerome Magat

The line-up of speakers that followed were second to none with each building on the other and driving the message that prayer is the only hope for America. With the opening prayer from Father Magat, who stated that “our nation is under the care and providence of Almighty God and has confidence that He will guide the course of our nation”, to the powerful words of Barry Black, chaplain of the Senate, who urged people to stop praying for just themselves and to start praying for their leaders, even if they disagree with their politics. "Let us stop praying only for ourselves, adding that “Godliness is a national security issue." Indeed, the National Observance was not one to miss.

Judge David Gustafson, who represented the Judicial Branch, sought prayer for all those serving in this vital role, "Please pray that God will give us wisdom beyond our wisdom." Both Representative Robert Aderholt (AL) and Representative Frank Wolf (VA) took the stage and reminded the nation that there are still congressmen who pray and do so with great expectation that God will direct the affairs of the nation. Wolf then quoted de Tocqueville with these words, “I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers - and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce - and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution - and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.”

Pat Boone, an original member of the National Day of Prayer Task Force in 1988, reminded us that America's founding fathers embraced religious practice and Christianity. “Benjamin Franklin called for a daily sermon before Congress began deliberations. John Jay, a member of the Supreme Court, said that Christians were preferred for government positions.” He then quoted Proverbs 21:1 which says, "In the Lord’s hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” Then added these words, "Heaven is waiting for our decisions and our petitions."

...With God nothing is impossible and God can turn America around.” - Pastor Greg Laurie, 2013 Honorary Chairman

This led up to the message by the Honorary Chairman, Greg Laurie, who said, “With God nothing is impossible and God can turn America around.” After his powerful words of affirmation, hope and inspiration, he closed with the reading of the national prayer.

Finally, it was Rear Admiral William D. Lee who ended the 3-hour event with five, yes 5, standing ovations. He gave a desperate appeal for prayer asking all to lift up the armed forces at such a critical time in our nation’s history. “Pray that we will be able to weather the storm that I am almost certain will come – that we will not be required to put aside our Constitutional rights,” he said. General Jerry Boykin issued the following statement after hearing the passionate and courageous message; "Rear Admiral William Lee demonstrated real courage yesterday when he spoke at the National Day of Prayer event in the nation's capital. I have seen courage manifested in many ways, including the ultimate sacrifice of one's life for one's country, but this type of moral courage is becoming more and more rare...You want a real hero? Just look no further than Rear Admiral William D Lee.”

If you missed it, then listen now to the 2013 National Observance:

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A great friend of our ministry, Joni Eareckson Tada (2011 Honorary Chairman and Founder of Joni and Friends), wants to encourage YOU to pray for our nation.

To learn more about Joni and Friends, and the incredible work they are doing, you can visit their website at http://www.joniandfriends.org

Beth Moore was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during what her father describes as the worst thunderstorm the city had seen in five years. He affectionately says the Lord brought her into the world with a drum roll. The fourth child of a retired Army major and a homemaker, Beth was raised in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Her father managed the local cinema where each of her four siblings had a role to play. Beth’s job was to hand out samples of popcorn and soda. Growing up in the theater had its perks. Sometimes Beth would be allowed to slip into a movie and take with her a pickle bag full of popcorn and a Dixie cup of Coke.

There in a theater chair, wide-eyed and filled to the brim with Coca-Cola, Beth began a lifelong love for stories. She loved to tell them, write them, and be told them. The story that captured her heart and consumed her life, however, was not told in a movie theater. It was the story told in Sunday School of Jesus, a Savior who loved children and who thought she was special. A seed was planted in her young heart that would grow to mark her life with a passionate love for Christ.

At the age of 18, Beth sensed God calling her to work for Him. Although she couldn’t imagine what that would mean, she made it her goal to say yes to whatever He asked. Beth graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in political science. She would later receive an honorary doctorate in humanities from Howard Payne University. She married Keith in 1978 and soon after the Lord added Amanda and Melissa to the family. As a young wife and mother, Beth served the Lord by speaking at luncheons and retreats, working at Mother’s Day Out, and teaching Christian aerobics.

A love for the Word of God was embedded in Beth’s life when she took a Bible doctrine class at her church. Her teacher was Buddy Walters, a former college football player who taught the Scriptures with tears streaming down his cheeks. She fervently prayed for such a passion for God’s Word. It was Buddy who first taught Beth, along with Keith, how to study the Bible.

Beth founded Living Proof Ministries in 1994 with the purpose of teaching women how to love and live on God’s Word. She has written numerous books and Bible studies, including Breaking Free, Believing God, The Patriarchs and most recently, James: Mercy Triumphs that have been read by women of all ages, races, and denominations. Through the years, American missionaries and expatriates have taken the Bible studies overseas, resulting in Beth Moore Bible study groups popping up all over the world. Upon completion of a tour of New England in 2008, Beth’s Living Proof Live conferences will have taken her to all fifty states since 1994. God has graciously given Beth the opportunity to serve the body of Christ in many different countries, including Ireland, England, Singapore, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, India, Angola, Kenya, and South Africa. With great joy, she began a radio ministry in 2004 called Living Proof with Beth Moore hosted on OnePlace.com.  Also, each Wednesday, Beth can be seen teaching Bible study on the television program "Life Today with James and Betty Robison."

Ever the storyteller, Beth is known to pepper her teaching with stories and poems written from the perspective of pertinent characters. She communicates with great energy, passion, humor, warmth, and grace.

Beth hosts an interdenominational Tuesday-night Bible study for women in her city at Houston’s First Baptist Church. Because of her burden for unity in the body of Christ, Beth counts serving women of all denominations as one of her greatest privileges in life. HFBC was Beth’s beloved home church for more than 25 years until her son-in-law Curtis Jones launched Bayou City Fellowship in September of 2011.  She is delighted to serve shoulder-to-shoulder there with her first born and favorite pastor’s wife.

Beth and Keith praise God for 35 years of marriage. They enjoy traveling, hiking, drinking coffee on the back porch, eating Mexican food, making each other laugh, walking their dogs, and being grandparents. Both of their daughters are involved with Living Proof Ministries. Amanda serves on the board of directors and Melissa is employed full-time as research assistant and, when possible, cowriter. Melissa holds a Master's degree in Biblical Exegesis from Wheaton College and a Th.M. In New Testament from Columbia Theological Seminary. Beth and Keith are joyful members of Bayou City Fellowship in Houston where their son-in-law is head pastor. The whole family calls the Houston area home.

As we draw closer to the National Day of Prayer, tomorrow, I wanted to offer a special word of encouragement.