Today is the National Day Of Prayer

This year’s National Day of Prayer (NDP) was highlighted by a televised ceremony held earlier today in the White House Rose Garden. President Trump and Vice-President Pence marked the occasion along with approximately 300 faith leaders.

NDP has a long history here in America. The first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer in 1775. The purpose was to ask for wisdom and guidance as they were forming this new nation. Later in 1863, President Lincoln asked for a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer as the nation navigated the acrimonious Civil War years. By 1952, the NDP was established by Congress and signed into law by President Truman. Then, years later in 1988, President Reagan signed legislation that modified it and designated the first Thursday of every May as the official observance of a national day of prayer. People across America have been honoring it personally and corporately in all 50 states ever since.

The theme this year is "Pray for America - UNITY." It is based upon the New Testament verse Ephesians 4:3 which challenges us to mobilize unified public prayer for the United States, "making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

As we watch critical news unfold across the country and around the globe, it is certainly an appropriate prayer for the times in which we live.