The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of America’s heritage and is as relevant and critical today as it was at the first call by our Continental Congress in 1775. Established in public law by a joint resolution of Congress, signed by President Truman in 1952, then amended to designate the day under the 100th Congress and President Reagan in 1988, it states that:
“The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups and as individuals.”
In Romans 13, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Not only are we exhorted to submit in recognition of God’s sovereignty, but we are encouraged and exhorted to pray! “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” It is both our spiritual responsibility according to God’s Word and it is also our civic duty as a citizen or resident of this great nation to respond when we are called upon by our leaders. During times of war, we have rallied millions to defend our nation against a physical threat, how much more should we rise up to defend her against a spiritual one – the unseen enemy who seeks to ‘steal, kill, and destroy’ all that God has established and all those that follow Him.
As our nation struggles with foreign and domestic threats, economic insecurity, cultural tensions, and continual challenges to basic constitutional rights, citizens of the United States are preparing to heed the call by our elected leaders to rise to the occasion and exercise one of their most precious freedoms – the right to gather, turn to God, and pray. Will you respond to the call? Will you pray for America?
The 65th annual National Day of Prayer takes place on Thursday, May 5th, just 8 days from now. Get involved at www.NationalDayofPrayer.org
– Rev. Dion Elmore
The Need for Hope
Hope-filled biblical focus is needed if we are to see a movement of prayer that moves the hand of God regarding the United States. Christians need to believe that God is not done with our nation and begin praying with passion according to the purposes of God. The focus of our hope must be in God and His Word.
If we look to our politicians, we will not have hope. If we look to our culture, we will lose our hope. If the economy is where we are placing out trust, hope will be lost with every downturn. Our hope must be in the Lord!
Scripture is filled with the command to hope in the Lord. Many times, that is directed to an individual for their own salvation. Sometimes though, it is directed to a nation. The Psalmist speaks to Israel with this powerful word,
“O Israel, hope in the Lord!
or with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption” (Ps. 130:7, ESV).
In a passage that I believe speaks much to our current situation, the author of Lamentations spends the first part of chapter 3 bemoaning the horrible situation that he is in. In verse 21 though, his thoughts turn to the mercies of God and he takes hope.
It’s a critical hour. The church is in need of an awakening, and our nation is desperate for spiritual revival. God has provided us with a powerful tool—one that enables us to draw closer to Him, gain wisdom and understanding, and even change the world. Yet we often lump prayer into the intangible, view it as a last resort, or shove it to the bottom of our to-do lists. Why?
A Prayer Warrior’s Guide to Spiritual Battle is a field manual for exploring the depth and power of a praying life. Drawing on rich military metaphors, this book explores prayer from every angle—from its basic elements to the obstacles that hold people back. With inspirational stories, tools, and resources, this guide enables new recruits and seasoned prayer warriors alike to gain a greater understanding of the number one weapon in spiritual warfare: prayer.
This packed resource is filled with spiritual battle strategies and prayers from contributors like: Billy Graham, Anne Graham Lotz, Shirley Dobson, Beth Moore, Max Lucado, Ravi Zacharias, Chuck Swindoll and many, many others.
You will also find helpful guides, source material, suggested tools and more.
