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Days of prayer have been called for since 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln called for such a day. Officially, the National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event by an act of Congress in 1952 and was signed into law by President Truman. President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the National Day of Prayer.
Millions of Americans Expected to Gather on May 1st, 2008 to Prayfor America.Tens of thousands of prayer events are planned across the country onThursday May 1, 2008 in recognition of the 57th Annual National Dayof Prayer. In churches, parks and on courthouse steps, citizens will prayfor our nation; government leaders, media, military, schools, churches,businesses and families.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA
This year’s theme, “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield” is based onPsalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts inhim, and I am helped." The Lord hears and responds to His children’s cry for help. He is their strength, refuge, and courage in personal and national times of suffering, despair and loss. “This is a critical time to be in prayer for our country. The biblicalprinciples upon which America was founded are under attack in everysegment of society,” said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the NationalDay of Prayer Task Force. “We pray God will raise righteous leaders for our country.”
Mrs. Dobson also announced Ravi Zacharias as the 2008 honorarychairman. On Thursday, May 1, he will address the NationalObservance at the Cannon House Office Bldg. and the Pentagoncelebration, both in Washington, D.C. President of Ravi ZachariasInternational Ministries, he is also an acclaimed Christian scholar,apologist, author and speaker. In honor of the National Day of Prayer,he has authored the book, “Is There Not a Cause”, which links the storyof Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem to the task that Christ has given us today to reach the lost.
About the National Day of Prayer:Recognizing that prayer has been and continues to be an integral part ofour nation’s history, Congress established the National Day of Prayerin 1952. This observance is currently held on the first Thursday eachMay, when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publicly to worship and pray for our land.
Visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org to learn more.
2008 Prayer for Our Nation
Dr. Ravi Zacharias
2008 Honorary Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force
Holy Father, in a world where so many are hungry,
You have given us food in abundance;
In a world where so many are hurting,
You offer to bind up our wounds;
In a world where so many are lonely,
You offer friendship to every heart;
In a world longing for peace,
You offer hope.
Yet, we are so stubborn and resistant.
Have mercy upon us, Lord.
Our nation is at a crossroads this year;
we look to you to be our strength and shield.
Please give us the guidance to elect one who will honor you
and to respond to the wisdom from above
so that our hope may be renewed and our blessings be treasured.
In God's holy name, Amen.
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