A Day Of Prayer

In Paul's first letter to the church of Thessalonica, he tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In this passage, Paul is not suggesting conduct a nonstop audible prayer. He does, however, imply maintaining a continuous awareness of God's presence, making prayer a habitual, daily lifestyle

Tomorrow is our nation's day of prayer. From the founding fathers to modern day presidents, our country has placed an emphasis on prayer and fasting as a way to seek God's wisdom, will and guidance. The annual National Day of Prayer was officially established in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Prompted by a challenge from evangelist Billy Graham to have leaders "kneeling before Almighty God," the law was later amended in 1988 to permanently set the first Thursday in May.

In the fall of 1789, President George Washington declared, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will...and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me ‘to recommend to the People of the United States a Day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness’..."

“I do recommend...the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the People of these United States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks...for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed... Humbly offering our prayers...to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions.”

I hope tomorrow adds to your prayer life...

Pastor Aaron