Faith and politics: Are you participating in the National Day of Prayer?

Today is the National Day of Prayer. The annual observance dates back to President Harry Truman in 1952.
This year the Day of Prayer almost didn’t happen. In April a federal appeals court threw out a ruling that the observance is unconstitutional and ordered that a lawsuit challenging President Obama’s right to proclaim the day be dismissed, the New York Times reported.
Right now I’m watching the ambassador from the Dominican Republic lead a prayer for the nations during a live feed from Washington. (I just learned that the Dominican Republic is the only nation in the world to feature a picture of a Bible in its flag. Look close. It’s there.)
Other scheduled speakers are James and Shirley Dobson, Rabbi Daniel Lapin and Sen. Elizabeth Dole. The program will repeat later today, Friday and Saturday.
The mission of the National Day of Prayer Task Force is to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.

Our Vision
In accordance with Biblical truth, the National Day of Prayer Task Force seeks to:
Mobilize and encourage personal and corporate prayer, regardless of current issues and positions (Colossians 4:2, Romans 12:12, Matthew 18:19-20, Joel 2:13-16, II Chronicles 7:14)
Preserve America’s Christian heritage and defend the religious freedoms granted by the Constitution (Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Proverbs 14:34)
Emphasize prayer for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family (I Timothy 2:1-6)
Foster unity within the Christian Church (Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 4:11-13)

Many religious groups across the nation host National Day of Prayer observances today. In Dickson, Tenn., a ministerial alliance planned a prayer service at the town’s War Memorial Building. The Tennessean interviewed Guy Ogburn, pastor of Dickson Church of Grace:

Organizers wanted Church of Christ members to participate this year, so they will have only vocal music worship noon-1 p.m. Church of Christ does not believe in instrumental music worship, Ogburn said.
“We have encouraged our Church of Christ brothers to come,” Ogburn said.

Are you participating in a National Day of Prayer observance? Why or why not? If so, for what are you praying?

• Feedback
  If we are Christians, why do we need a day of national prayer when God says, “Pray without ceasing?” The reason we are in this mess today is we have come to wait to be told what to do. Live everyday as if it were your last and not skip praying till told.

  carol stites

  May, 5 2011

  We host a free luncheon each year on the National Day of Prayer. It is an outreach to the community, but it is also simply a great time to pray for our nation. This event is always very well attended and is a highlight each year for our congregation and our community.

  Tim Gunnells

  May, 6 2011

  I agree with Carol and that we shouldn’t need a day dedicated to prayer if we are Christian however, it’s nice that there is a day where individual’s of all faith’s can come together in prayer. This day comes at a much needed time with all of the tornado’s and destruction that have occurred lately.

  Ed Koff

  May, 10 2011

  After serving at the disaster relief center for the Alabama tornado victims, about 75 members of the Central Church in Athens, Alabama, had a special prayer service in a front yard. One of our sisters is battling cancer.Members with candles gathered in her yard as her husband pushed her chair to the open window. Scripture was read, songs were sung, and many prayers for her healing were lifted. Our prayer service was a lead-in to the Relay for Life team event that the church is
  a part of.
  The Message: Psalm 102 God, listen! Listen to my prayer, listen to the pain in my cries. Don’t turn your back on me just when I need you so desperately.
  If there is a movement, no matter how small, to encourage prayer in the nation, the children of God should be there.

  Deb Ezell

  May, 14 2011