National Day of Prayer

WASHINGTON, D.C. On Thursday, May 3rd, America will be celebrating our 56th Annual National Day of Prayer. Every year a proclamation is made by the President of the United States honoring this special day to pray for our country and its leaders. This year's theme is "America Unite in Prayer," and will begin at 1:16pm EST in Washington, D.C. with music, celebrations and remembrances throughout the country. The theme is taken in part from the Old Testament Biblical scripture of Second Chronicles 7:14:

"...and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin,and will heal their land."

In attendance this year will be speakers Dr. James Dobson, leader of "Focus on the Family" and his wife Shirley, founder of the National Day of Prayer organization. Ms. Dobson was invited to the White House by Pres. Reagan in 1988 to address spiritual concerns particularly on women's issues. Dr. James Dobson was named as Time Magazine's top 25 most influential evangelical leaders. Also speaking will be the Honorable Chair of the event, Dr. Charles Swindoll, who created "Insight for Living," a popular Christian radio program. Pastor Swindoll is also chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary. Christianity Today magazine named Swindoll among its top 25 most influential Christian leaders.

The custom of praying for our country nationally began in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to come together and pray for the newly- formed nation. This followed a similar proposal by Governor Bradford of Plymouth Colony who declared a day of public "Thanksgiving" be held in October of 1621. In 1952, President Truman signed the national day of remembrance and prayer officially into being by a joint act of Congress. In 1988 President Reagan amended this to be held the first Thursday of every May. There will be a webcast of the live event from Washington D.C. based on such scriptures as Matthew 18:20:

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst."

Nascar driver Kenny Wallace, who drives a Chevrolet Monte Carlo (Furniture Row's #78) in the Nascar circuit decorated his race car in the National Day of Prayer theme. Many churches and religious organizations throughout the country have set aside time and special events to honor this day of reflection and repentance. You can find out more about the event by going to www.ndptf.org.