Anne Graham Lotz - Chairman of the National Day of Prayer
God has called me to be a messenger. I have used my initials, AGL, to name my non-profit ministry AnGeL Ministries, because in Scripture angels are God’s messengers.
For the past several years, God has burdened my heart with His message to call His people to repentance, revival, and a recommitment to serious prayer. I have offered five online prayer initiatives in which tens of thousands of people have been led to pray.
It’s interesting to note that at the beginning of all things, in Genesis 1, God used prayer--the preparation of the Spirit hovering over the waters of a formless, empty planet, and the proclamation of His Word--and God said--to transform our world physically.
At the center of all things, in Acts 1 & 2, after the cross, the resurrection, and the ascension of Jesus, His disciples prayed for 10 days. Then, on the day of Pentecost, Peter proclaimed God’s Word; and not only were 3000 people saved, but also the church was born. Once again our world was transformed, this time spiritually.
At the end of all things—which is where I believe we are today—the apostle Paul charges us in 2 Timothy 4:1-2 to preach the Word. In 1 Peter 4:7 we are exhorted when the end of all things is near, to be self-controlled so that you can pray.
I have accepted Paul’s charge. I will continue to proclaim God’s Word, undergirded by AnGeL Ministries. But in addition, Peter’s exhortation has reverberated in my heart. While I have never considered myself a “prayer warrior,” and have even struggled with prayer in many ways, I now feel very compelled to pray.
So I was not surprised to receive a call from Shirley Dobson asking me to succeed her as the Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. The Spirit within me witnessed that this was of Him. But I was overwhelmed by this honor and very humbled. Like Daniel, I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting… Daniel 9:3. God answered my prayer and confirmed that this invitation was His will. So with fear and trembling, I have accepted this position.
Now I’m on tiptoe in my spirit, filled with expectancy to see what God will do. In a unique way, I will do my best to combine prayer and the proclamation of God’s Word in what I pray will be a powerful and effective movement of God’s Spirit. Who knows? Maybe, by God’s grace and mercy, once again we will see worldwide change. Maybe…just maybe…God will use us to help prepare the hearts of His people for the return of the King.
Please. Stand with me…on your knees. Pray for me as I give leadership to these two organizations. Pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
For the glory of His Name…
- Anne Graham Lotz
Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force
Anne Graham Lotz Succeeds Shirley Dobson as Chairman
ANNE GRAHAM LOTZ SUCCEEDS SHIRLEY DOBSON AS NEXT CHAIRMAN
OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER TASK FORCE
New Chapter Begins after Quarter Century as Mantle of Leadership Passes to Billy Graham’s Daughter
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 5, 2016) – In a span of only 25 years, under the direction of Shirley Dobson, the National Day of Prayer has been observed at over 630,000 events with more than 33 million people praying for America. Today, a new chapter begins as Mrs. Dobson steps into the role of Chairman Emeritus and passes the mantle of leadership to Mrs. Anne Graham Lotz.
“After much prayer and careful consideration, I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Dr. Billy Graham, has graciously accepted this new role, and will succeed me as the new chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force,” said Dobson.
The New York Times named Anne Graham Lotz whom her father, Billy Graham, refers to as “the best preacher in the family”, one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation. She is also a prayer warrior, powerful speaker, best-selling author and the founder and president of her own organization, AnGeL Ministries. Anne’s latest book, The Daniel Prayer: Prayer That Moves Heaven and Changes Nations, releases May 10, and will encourage, equip and engage readers in effective, passionate prayer.
“For the past three years I have felt a compelling urgency to pray,” said Lotz. “As a result my organization, AnGeL Ministries, has offered five worldwide prayer initiatives that have drawn tens of thousands into prayer. So when Shirley Dobson asked me to succeed her as the Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, I was highly honored.”
“I believe I’m called by God to those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1-2),” Lotz added. “I will continue to lead AnGeL Ministries as I accept this new assignment to not only get people into God’s Word, but also onto their knees in serious prayer for our nation.”
To schedule a media interview, contact Dion Elmore at [email protected] or 719-559-9574.
About the National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.
Watch the National Observance LIVE
2017 NATIONAL OBSERVANCE LIVE FEED
Watch the LIVE BROADCAST from 7:30-9:00 PM EDT Click Here
Re-Watch 2016
Join Rep. Robert Aderholt, Dr. Tony Evans, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, Mrs. Shirley Dobson, Rep. Louie Gohmert, Senate Chaplain Barry Black, Dr. James Dobson, Anne Graham Lotz, Veritas, Dr. Dick Eastman, Dr. David Butts, Rev. John Bornschein, and more for the 65th annual National Day of Prayer Observance in Washington D.C.
When: Thursday, May 5, 2016
- Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill
- 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon ET LIVE
- This special event will be broadcast live on this web page and on GOD TV, repeating throughout the day.
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The Foundation of Our Nation
For many Americans, the ability to gather, worship and pray are critical among the blessings offered by our free society. We recognize that this country was founded upon a bedrock of faith, and we understand the critical role that Divine Providence has played in our nation’s history – from the time our forebears first set foot on these shores to the present day. All of the achievements that define the American dream, from gleaming cities and busy byways to our equitable legal system and stable government, are a reflection of the faith-based ideals and spiritual convictions of the people. In the words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, “Without God, there could be no American form of government nor any American way of life.”
From its earliest colonial days right on through to the 21st century, America has always been a nation steeped in faith - spiritual roots that must be embraced, celebrated and cherished. Her citizens, leaders and institutions have consistently acknowledged that freedom and democracy are blessings passed down directly from the hand of Providence. This reliance on Almighty God has sustained us in periods of turmoil and given us comfort during times of uncertainty. Collectively, we know that we have not been left to our own devices. We find peace and encouragement in the assurance that our destiny as a nation lies in the hands of the Creator of the universe, and that we can call upon His name, through His son Jesus Christ.
One of the most abiding indicators of America’s reliance on God over the years has been her commitment to prayer. As men and women of faith, we have long understood the importance of bringing our requests before Him. We do so not only to express our needs, but also to bow in both repentance and adoration. During his second Inaugural Address on March 4, 1893, President Grover Cleveland summarized our nation’s commitment to prayer by saying: “Above all, I know there is a Supreme Being who rules the affairs of men and whose goodness and mercy have always followed the American people, and I know He will not turn from us now if we humbly and reverently seek His powerful aid.”
In recognition of the fact that Almighty God continues to shed His grace on the United States, we urge Americans everywhere to come before Him corporately in earnest prayer. In so doing, may we thank Him for the blessings He has freely bestowed upon us; petition Him for direction and sustenance as we confront the challenges ahead; and acknowledge, in the sight of every nation on earth, our conviction that freedom and liberty are gifts of inestimable worth, handed down directly to us by our loving Creator. It is time to Wake Up America and to submit ourselves before the King of kings in repentance. May He hear our prayers, forgive our sin and heal our land.
As we enter the final month before the 65th annual National Day of Prayer, taking place Thursday, May 5th, our team is busily finalizing efforts to mobilize more than 40,000 prayer gatherings across the country. It is a movement of God that takes the combined efforts of thousands of volunteers, countless hours on the phone and the resources to reach out across the nation. I know you are besieged by numerous requests from worthy organizations seeking your backing. But in the coming days, please prayerfully consider placing the NDP Task Force on your list of priorities. And whatever you decide or are able to do, know that we value your friendship and commitment to pray for our nation. Abundant blessings to you!
In closing, let me share with you that, along with this letter, you will find enclosed a special booklet, which highlights some of the many things that God has done over the past 25 years through the leadership of Mrs. Shirley Dobson who has served faithfully as Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. We hope you enjoy this tribute and join with us in celebrating this momentous milestone and anniversary.
May God bless you and may God bless America!
Sincerely,
John Bornschein
Vice Chairman
National Day of Prayer Task Force