The 57th Annual National Day of Prayer

May 1, 2008 is the 57^th Annual National Day of Prayer. The National Day of prayer invites people of all faiths to join united to pray for our nation. The National Day of prayer occurs yearly on the first Thursday in May. This years theme is, "Prayer America's Strength and Shield." The theme for this year was taken from Psalms 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped."

The National Day of Prayer began in 1952 as a result of a decision made by the United States Congress. President at that time, Harry S. Truman, signed it into law. The National Day of Prayer began as a way to remind citizens of the United States that this country was founded on religion and to show honor to God. It is also to remind people the importance of prayer and how God hears and answers prayers.

When the Pilgrims first established colonies in the United States, prayer and religion is what got them through the first winter. By believing in God and praying for the colony, they believed that they would make it in the New World.

Prayer was a large part of the Constitutional Congress. They believed God gave us this nation as an answer to prayers. They also believed the only way the nation would survive was to continue to pray and give thanks to God.

On this National Day of Prayer it is my goal to bring my family closer together by praying as a group for this nation. I am saddened at the violence that occurs daily. I believe that if we promote God and prayer more, rather than trying to remove God, things may get better for this nation. I have noticed such a change in the behavior of the nation on a whole. It is my belief we need to put God first. God and prayer started this nation. By placing God first, anything is possible.

I ask you to join me today in promoting the National Day of Prayer. Take some time out of your busy life to repent. Ask God to forgive you for your sins. God forgives willingly anyone that asks to have their sins forgiven. I also ask that you make more time for God in your life and that of your family as well. Don't be scared and hide your faith. Display it proudly. By sharing the Word of God with friends and family, we can bring good back to this nation.

Ask God for guidance in bringing leaders to our nation that are righteous. Bring leaders that are good role models and that will put God first when it comes to the greater good of our country.

Put your trust in God and have complete faith. Do your part in sharing the word of God. When you trust in God and you share God's Word, good things can and will happen. God is a loving and forgiving God.

Take the time today to pray. Make today the first step in a new beginning. Don't just pray today because of it being the National Day of Prayer, but continue to pray tomorrow and every day hence forth for the better good of our nation and for God's will to be done. Thank you my friends for joining me in putting God first!