The 57th Annual National Day of Prayer

Although today is the 57^th Annual Day of Prayer, its history can be traced to as far back as before our nation's declaration of independent. The year was 1775, and on that year, the First Continental Congress had called for a day to pray for wisdom and guidance as they look to declare their independence as a nation of their own. They believed that a hand greater than theirs was necessary to withstand the mighty powers of the nation they were trying to break free from. They also perceived that they needed the great Almighty to lead them in creating the greatest democratic nation that now stands as a model for the entire modern world.

Following the call by the Continental Congress, President Abraham Lincoln also called for a national day of prayer in 1863 when the nation was going through trials and tribulations in the form of the United States Civil War. Lincoln understood the importance of prayers in bringing people and different causes together. He most eloquently delivered an oration stating that "a house divided amongst itself cannot stand" during his senatorial debate with opponent Stephen A. Douglass in 1858. Even though he lost the senate race, he defeated Douglass in 1860 on the presidential bid, proving that people understood his call to pray to end division.

In 1952, the United States Congress was again involved by establishing the National Day of Prayer as a yearly event. It was signed into law by the then president Harry S. Truman. The law was further amended in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan made it official that the day should be the first Thursday in May.

Today, I am observing this day by praying for divine intervention in the plights of our people, our world. As I write this article, I pray that the situation in our country: the financial condition that has left millions of Americans in desperation, the mortgage crises that has caused thousands of people to lose their homes, the natural catastrophes such as Katrina, human destruction of the natural system, racial and class divisions, hatred of others who are different, I pray that all these negative and dark forces that continue to divide us will all be bind and left powerless in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray that any weapon fashioned against God's people shall not prosper in Jesus name. I pray that God will intervene in this time of political uncertainty to select for us a leader on November 5^th, a leader who will lead according to God's purpose for us all; a leader who will lead in fear of God and do what he or she promised to do during the campaigns; a leader who will exercise good judgment and empower our people to break free from the yoke that tied and crippled us to be a sleeping and inactive citizens. May the Almighty strike dead the negativity that renders us immobile and unconcerned about the well-being of our fellow citizens. May He remove the walls that keep us from reaching out to each other and working together for a common purpose.

I feel that today it is important just as everyday should be that we pray for each other and for the world. It is important because as our founding fathers perceived, prayer is good medicine. We have come to a time when we need to realize just like the founding fathers, that we cannot lift our burden on our own. The mighty power of God is needed to uplift our country from our heavy mess, to help us make better decisions in our lives, to guide us through the right path. Please do not ever forget to say your prayers daily. In your car, in your house, wherever you are. You can talk to God silently, for He hears you even when you think no one hears you. Remain blessed.