President Obama & National Day of Prayer

President Obama has decided against having a public ceremony at the White House this year to recognize May 6th as National Day of Prayer. This day in the past has been celebrated by previous president such as Ronald Reagan & the Bush father & son pair most recently in the White House. May 6th was formed by Harry Truman as a day for people to come together whether it be two or more and pray. No faiths have been left out and it is for anyone who prays.

Each president in office since 1952 has signed a proclamation to recognize the day in May to be the National Day of Prayer. President Obama has signed a proclamation as well this year, but toned down the celebration.

While the day has its fans as well as opponents, the question remains as to why is our president taking a different path. Atheists believe that the church & state should remain seperate and feel President Obama is doing the right thing. American Atheists have been quoted stating "it is not his job to tell us to pray" on CNN.com

While others who have participated in the celebrations in the past, feel it is a disappointment of our new administration. Thousands event & celebrations will be held today to share in a moment of prayer. While members of the National Day of Prayer Task Force are not please, they state "The White House is a small part of what the national day of prayer is all about".

While once again people cannot agree on how, when & where to pray, President Obama has changed the culture around this day by praying in private.

Unfortunately the controversy over how President Obama is handling the National Day of prayer is clouding the actual day itself. It is simply a day for quiet reflection & prayer for all faiths. Rumors unfortunately have taken over the interent and pointed fingers. If you want to pray, pray after all it isn't his job to tell you to pray.