In these unprecedented, unusual, and unpredictable days that we are experiencing, we find our hope and encouragement in God’s Word, and in the truth that God is at work in us and through us to accomplish His will in our lives and on this earth.
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13
We are particularly excited to introduce the two latest additions to the National Day of Prayer Task Force staff. These two women embody this scripture, as their hearts are humbly focused on allowing God to use the gifts that He has given them to mobilize unified public prayer for America – as well as engaging, equipping, and encouraging others to do the same.
Amy McDonald serves as the Communication Coordinator for the ministry. She graduated in May of this year from Georgia College & State University with a degree in Mass Communication. Amy is passionate about building up the kingdom of God by encouraging others to infuse the Gospel into every aspect of their lives, starting with consistent, strategic prayer. After serving as a summer intern, it became apparent that God wanted to use her beyond this summer assignment, and as of mid-July, she transitioned into her current role. Her heart’s missional desire is to encourage believers and non-believers alike by sharing powerful stories of God’s power, glory and goodness, while also building up a new generation of Gospel-driven believers among her Gen Z peers group.
This is how she expressed her heart for prayer and for the work of the National Day of Prayer; “Prayer is vital as a believer. Prayer is transformation. People end up being like the people they spend time around; to spend time in prayer is to learn the heart of the Father and be transformed into a reflection of the Son. One of the great things about NDP is the commitment to non-partisan prayer. Our world and our Church are so divided over politics, but prayer is a place we come together as one to lift up our hearts to God. We pray for people in leadership because of the immense influence they wield within their spheres, and our hope is that the Lord’s goodness and glory would be made known in our world. We are ambassadors for the Prince of Peace, the Savior of the world. My prayer is that we would honor our assignment as ambassadors and collectively humble ourselves and live, work, walk and talk in the footsteps of Jesus. His example has the power to transform our world. I pray that as the Holy Spirit transforms us, our Gospel-living would transform the families, communities, states and nation we call home.”
Kanita Benson serves as our Director of Intercultural Prayer & Missions. Not only is she a prayer warrior and mobilizer, but she is also an artist, worship leader, songwriter, strategist, missionary, speaker and passionate global advocate for women and girls. Along with her ministry gifting, Kanita pursued and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and completed a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership for Corporate, Nonprofit & Ministry Advancement – and is currently pursuing her doctorate.
Her passion for people has led her to serve as a short-term missionary, speaker and mobilizer to Kenya, Africa since 2013 and is the Founder of She Saves a Nation®, a global advocacy initiative serving refugee & marginalized girls and women. She is committed to mobilizing the church toward God’s global mandate to the nations and has spoken at conferences & churches, releasing this charge to God’s people.
Regarding prayer, one of her favorite quotes is, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer IS the greater work.” – Oswald Chambers. As she expressed her heart for the National Day of Prayer, and a new initiative that she is spearheading for NDP called United in Love, this is what she shared; “The zeal I possess for ardent, fervent prayer over our nation, is rooted in continual glimpses of God’s grandest vision being achieved. Glimpses of one goal, every soul knowing Jesus, loving every image bearer and enemy, and pursuing every heart that is oppressed and weary, are what fuel my heart for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done. When the people of God call on the power of God through the authority of God, things change. Every broken place in our nation is a gateway for kingdom advancement and influence, a position for light to penetrate darkness. As the nations are present among us, we, the body of Christ, have been given access to a Holy God in prayer that fuels catalytic movements for gospel activation that will one day result in every tribe, tongue and nation, all whom are diversely represented in these United States of America, worshiping at the foot of His throne! As Jesus modeled the discipline of seeking the Father in prayer, I am invited to model that heart of submission and surrender. What an unparalleled privilege!”
Join us as we pray for them: Lord, thank you for Amy and Kanita, and for the tremendous giftedness and experience that they bring to the work of the National Day of Prayer. We are thankful for all that they will contribute as they surrender their lives to you and allow you to will and to do in them for Your good pleasure. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen!
In the coming weeks and months, please continue to pray for these two outstanding, young leaders.