America's National Day of Prayer // History

For the last two years, I've done a post on the National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of May. This year, I'm going to change it up a bit and give you the history behind this day that is dedicated to praying for America. (As a side note, today also happens to be National Star Wars Day, which is always May 4th. "May the Fourth Be With You!")

Here is the link to 2015's post on the National Day of Prayer.
Click here to read 2016's post.

Over the history of America, there have been many times that our nation had held days for prayer. Oftentimes, it is Congress or the president who has called for these days.

• For instance, Boston had a day of fasting and prayer in 1768.
• Virginia's House of Burgesses declared a day of prayer and fasting on June 1, 1774 in protest of the Boston Port Act.
• During 1774-1775 Georgia, Maryland, and South Carolina all observed prayer days.
• In the very formation of this country in 1775, the Continental Congress set aside a period of time for prayer.
• Congress announced a day of "fasting, humiliation and prayer" in 1780.
• The celebration of Thanksgiving started out as a day of giving thanks and prayer. None other than President Abraham Lincoln made this official in 1863.

Numerous other dates have been set aside as times of prayer. Then, in 1952, President Harry S. Truman declared that for that year and each following, the current president of the United States should dedicate a day of prayer to God on a date of his choice. Pres. Truman's date was April 17th for that year.

President Reagan amended the law in 1988, and made the first Thursday of May each year the National Day of Prayer. In his proclamation, Pres. Reagan stated that "This occasion provides our Nation with an opportunity to further recognize the source of our blessings, and to seek His help for the challenges we face today and in the future."

Isn't that amazing? And it wasn't that long ago, either. In doing research for this post, I read the entirety of this document. It isn't very long, and I'd highly recommend you read it. Please take a moment to click HERE.

Since this, many of our presidents have held events at the White House on this day in honor of it. And now, the first Thursday of May every year, the nation joins together in prayer.

Please, the United States needs so much prayer. I'm taking a Constitutional Literacy class and it has only opened my eyes more. America is headed in a direction that is the opposite way from God. Now, even this day dedicated to prayer is being threatened by those who wish to keep "religion" out of "politics."

Pray. This is the only way to bring the United States of America back to Him. The Bible says that if God's people come together, repent, and pray, He will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). That is what we need! Pray right now, pray through the rest of the day, and don't stop praying!

National Day of Prayer

Today is America's National Day of Prayer. Many Christians set aside this day to intercede for their country, but shouldn't every day be a day of prayer? As Christians, we have the duty to come before the throne of Christ daily. Not only is it our duty to our country, it is our duty before God. It is the only way to save our country from utter destruction. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is our only hope for our nation to be forgiven, “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 and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” While this was spoken to the Israelites, to me, this is a perfect description of the world today—proud and wicked. I am not saying that everyone in the world is this way, but I know that for the Christians living in this world but who are not part of it, it is up to them to come humbly before God and repent for the sins of their country. America has chosen to set aside the first Thursday of May every year to pray and intercede for the leaders of this country. Lost though it may be, it is not a lost cause. Can we spend this day in prayer? Will we humble ourselves and repent for the sins of our country? Furthermore, will we make the choice to make every day a day of prayer? Please take the time to plead with God to forgive our country for its ungodly practices and for turning away from Him. In Him there is always hope. Thank you. :)

National Day of Prayer

Pray for our Nation!

Today is National Day of Prayer when people all over the country will be united, praying for our country—praying that it will turn back to God. They will pray for our President, our Vice-President, Congress, and the Supreme Court. Prayers for our governors, senators, leaders will be lifted up to the Throne. Teachers, principals, policemen, and firemen will be interceded for. People will implore God to spare America for the sake of a few Christians (Genesis 18:22-33), earnestly asking God to give us strength to teach those around us about Him and His love and how He wants our country to run based on His principles shown in His Word. God will be begged to help our country. Will you be among the many who bow themselves before God and implore of Him for wisdom, strength, and help? Will you pray for your country to turn back to its Godly roots—not only today, but always? In American history, Congress has declared about 200 national days of praying, fasting, and thanksgiving. If America wants to remain free, we need to return to His plan for us and the Biblical principles on which our nation was founded. Pray. Pray for our country and our leaders to turn to God.