Friend — As we eagerly begin a new year in the rich history of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, we realize that it is through your prayers and support that this ministry has accomplished so much. While there is still much to be done, we rejoice to recall the largest day of prayer in U.S. history this past May with over 48,000 prayer gatherings taking place from coast to coast. More than 500,000 people participated in the National Observance via video, with prayer warriors from across the globe dropping in from 90 countries. Again this year, we were encouraged through our Pray for America Bus Tour, where we engaged with prayer groups to pray at both political party conventions in Cleveland and Philadelphia. Furthermore, in 2016 NDPTF helped host several national prayer gatherings for our nation and the election year. With these things in mind, our 2017 theme, For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us… Forgive Us… Heal Us! (based on Daniel 9:19, “Oh Lord, listen! Oh Lord, forgive! Oh Lord, hear and act. For your sake, Oh my God… ”), reminds us that the Lord God not only hears our prayers, but is ever faithful, and will heal and forgive us. We need only believe in our Savior, repent, and cry out to the Lord in faith. In our great nation, we have much for which to be thankful. But we also have much for which to seek God’s forgiveness and healing. For the national needs of forgiveness and healing, I am challenged to take my prayers to a greater level of effectiveness. In 2016, many added fasting with their prayers for the nation. Fasting has been described as extreme humility in action. The ‘kind of fasting’ the Lord has chosen is described in Isaiah 58: 6-14. There is nothing more powerful that His choice. In short, this scripture states in verse 6b-7a, “to loose the chains of injustice, and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke, to share your food with the hungry, and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked to clothe him…”. Verse 9 instructs with, “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” Let us commit anew to make this coming year a year of fervent prayer with His chosen fast for our country. We gratefully acknowledge the many ways in which God has provided for this ‘ministry to the nation’ through prayer. NDP Task Force belongs to God and we are simple stewards of His leading. We rejoice over the impact of the past year and also look forward with great expectancy to what He wants to do in 2017. As this year ends, would you prayerfully consider financially partnering with us again? As always, your tax-deductible donation would be much appreciated. On behalf of National Day of Prayer Task Force, may God’s blessings overflow for your gift of time, support and prayers. Please mark your calendars for the 66th Annual National Day of Prayer, May 4th. To God be the Glory now and forevermore, Lisa Crump Would you prayerfully consider making a year end donation to the National Day of Prayer?As you look at supporting your favorite causes this giving season, please consider the impact that your gift can make to engage, equip, and encourage millions of Christians to continue to pray for America! Looking Back on 2016In addition to our key initiatives, there were more than 7,500 stories that ran on the National Day of Prayer in the media, reaching millions of people. Our Facebook posts were seen by 1,463,819 people, with 169,793 people engaged. The 2016 Theme Video was viewed 482,175 times on Facebook and YouTube. By comparison, the 2015 Theme Video was viewed 102,828 times. This number fails to capture the number of people who showed the video in churches or at events from the purchased DVD kits. Over 137,281 people viewed the live broadcast on the National Day of Prayer website. Another 32,336 people viewed the video of Shirley Dobson passing the baton to Anne Graham Lotz on Social Media. Our combined web traffic was 3 91,147 people for the month of April into May 5. This surpasses the last year by over 100,000 people. As you can see, over the past year, we have successfully connected with thousands of new individuals. With your help, we can engage hundreds of thousands more to pray in 2017! This vital movement is truly on the rise, evidenced by the ever-increasing participation in our annual observances and year-round mobilization efforts. Your faithful help serves a critical role in the ongoing success of our mission. Download your copy of the Impact Report by clicking here Looking Ahead to 2017Many Christians are unaware that they live in a nation that has a law in place requiring our President proclaim a National Day of Prayer each year on the first Thursday in May. 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. (Public Law 105-225) As citizens and residents of the United States and as believers in Christ Jesus,we not only have a spiritual responsibility according to 1 Timothy 2:1-2 to pray, but a civic duty as well to heed our President’s call to stand in the gap for our nation. Who but God’s people have the ability to enter into the very throne room of Heaven with prayers and petitions! Our theme this year is For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us… Forgive Us…Heal Us!Taken from Daniel 9:19, which says, “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God…”. As the 2017 National Day of Prayer on May 4th approaches, thousands of individuals, churches, and communities will be working to rally millions of Christians to once again heed this call! Scripture tells us again and again that our fervent prayer is effective. That our loving God responds to His children’s earnest pleas in mighty ways that avail much, and ultimately determine the course of history. If you would like to sponsor an event, become a volunteer, or obtain resources to help promote an event in your area, visit our website at www.nationaldayofprayer.org. |