On May 7, 2020, we observed the National Day of Prayer. This was instituted by President Harry Truman and then amended by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. President Reagan designated the first Thursday of May each year as the National Day of Prayer.
America has always been a praying nation. Many of the former presidents led the country in prayer. Here are a few quotes from some of our president’s prayers:
“…Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Thomas Jefferson – (A prayer for the nation)
– From a speech to the American people in Washington D.C. – March 4, 1801
“With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace–a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt (A prayer in dark times)
– From a speech to the American people on D-Day – June 6, 1944
“…To preserve our blessed land we must look to God… We also have His promise that we could take to heart with regard to our country, that “If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Ronald Reagan (A prayer for healing)
– From a speech to the American people – February 6, 1986
America is in a desperate and critical time. As free citizens of this great nation, we can lift our heartfelt prayers to the Sovereign Lord. My family and I led the virtual National Day of Prayer event for the City of Kings Mountain, N.C. on Thursday, May 7, 2020. (To view, Go to https://vimeo.com/416006237) Apostle Paul encourages us to pray for others in I Timothy 2:1-3 which states: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority…This is good and pleases God our Savior.” Sometimes people tell me they don’t know what to pray for, yet there are a multitude of issues and people to pray for throughout the week. Here is my top 20 list:
1. Your family
2. Schools and Teachers
3. Your community
4. Local business & Jobs
5. Churches and Leaders
6. Armed Forces
7. America
8. Government officials
9. Israel
10. Marriages
11. Evangelism
12. Other Countries
13. The abused
14. The Sick
15. The Elderly
16. The Poor
17. Those in bondage to drugs & various addictions
18. Those grieving a loss of a loved one
19. Inmates of Correctional Facilities
20. College Students
PRAY THIS PRAYER:
“Father, you are almighty and powerful! Nothing is too hard for you. I need you every day of my life, as do the people around me. Lord, please remind me to pray for others, and not to only focus on my own concerns in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
