America Honors God, Marks National Day of Prayer
As this year's theme - America, Honor God - calls the nation to stop and remember the One who has blessed the nation from the beginning, Christian leaders are calling attention to a world that is in urgent need of prayer.
NEW YORK - Prayers are being said all across the nation today in observance of the 55th annual National Day of Prayer. Churches in Manhattan have already begun congregating to honor God in their unity and prayers with a total of some 50,000 sites across the states expected to host prayer activities and services.
Throughout the Greater New York area, Concerts of Prayer is facilitating prayer services in more than 20 venues with many churches, some NDOP first-timers, joining hands. American Bible Society kicked off its day-long prayer event this morning with each hour devoted to the five centers of power - the government, church, education, family and the media.
And Injoy, an organization founded by John C. Maxwell that develops thousands of new and emerging leaders, has also expressed support, recognizing and encouraging the national prayer movement as it gathers leaders at 600 satellite locations for a "life at work" session today.
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As this year's theme - America, Honor God - calls the nation to stop and remember the One who has blessed the nation from the beginning, Christian leaders are calling attention to a world that is in urgent need of prayer.
In response to a question on the impact and effectiveness of observing the National Day of Prayer, the Rev. Billy Graham said, "Could anyone honestly say that our world doesn't need prayer?"
"Throughout our history prayer has been an important part of our national life because we have realized that we need God's wisdom and guidance. Today, our problems are so complex and so dangerous that we dare not face them alone and without God's help," Graham stated, according to The Charlotte Observer.
NDOP Chairman Shirley Dobson identified the most pressing issue in need of prayer this year is the war in Iraq.
"All of us would like to see democracy take place over in iraq and our coalition troops to be able to come home,” she said. “Pray for the protection of the troops and families here at home."
Along with present critical events calling for the nation's prayers, the Rev. Louis P. Sheldon, chairman of Traditional Values Coalition, pointed Americans back to the roots of the nation's founding.
"We must not forget that our nation was settled by Christians and that the Bible was the basis of our laws and formed the philosophical foundation of our Constitution."
President George Bush, national and religious leaders will join today to issue a proclamation to declare today as the National Day of Prayer.
"The Bible commands us to pray 'for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness' (1 Timothy 2:2)," said Graham. "This should be true on a personal level; don't let a day go by without praying for our nation and its leaders (as well as all the leaders of the world). But we also should come together to pray, for God is pleased when His people are united in prayer.
"I urge you to support this year's National Day of Prayer, and to encourage others to do so as well. Remember the Bible's promise: 'The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful and effective' (James 5:16)."
