Thousands of Americans will be on their knees interceding for the United States, its leaders and personal needs on May 1 as they observe the National Day of Prayer.
In 2002, approximately 40,000 events were held nationwide in honor of this day which was established as an annual event by Congress in 1952. From prayer breakfasts to vigils to rallies and students gathering around school flagpoles, many Americans spend time on the first Thursday in May in prayer, mediation and reflection. This year’s theme is Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
Although the event is not Christian per se, its chairman is Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family president, James Dobson, and mostly Christians participate, including many Baptists.
David Hull, pastor at First Baptist Church, Huntsville, said his church has a noon service that follows guidelines recommended by the National Day of Prayer Task Force. “We focus specifically on prayer — not worship or anything else,” Hull said. “We encourage people to come during their lunch hour and pray.”
Rhonda Richards, a member of First Baptist Church, Birmingham, said this day makes for a great outreach opportunity.
“A friend or coworker who might be intimidated about coming to a church service might not be afraid to join you for lunch and a short prayer time,” she said. “One year I was facing some tough challenges, and I asked a friend if she would come pray with me during our lunch hour and she did. The day transformed both of our lives.”
First Baptist, Birmingham, leaves the sanctuary open from 6 a.m. to midnight, so people can pray as their schedules allow. Various prayer stations are designated by topic, such as family, church, youth, local government and national government. Each station has a prayer card with Scripture that serves as a guide and at least one of the church’s pastors is on hand at all times to pray during the event. The church provides a free continental breakfast and an inexpensive lunch.
“Some years I attend on my lunch hour, and sometimes I take a vacation day to just spend time in God’s house and pray. I cherish that time I can spend in communion with God, without the distractions that can happen at home,” Richards said.
First Baptist Church, Fort Payne, is joining with other local churches to have a prayer time on the steps of the courthouse at noon.
Several churches around Fairhope, Daphne and the Eastern Shore area are gathering at the Daphne Civic Center for a communitywide prayer service.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force provides information about the event and suggestions for participation on its Web site.
Also offered is a prayer guide to help lead people as they pray, as well as suggestions to pray for personal renewal, moral awakening and for church and ministry organizations.
Share with others: