National Day of Prayer events may look different this year in light of COVID-19, but the need for collective prayer is still the same, if not even more urgent, said Mike Jackson, director of the office of LeaderCare & church health for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM).
Instead of gathering this year at the Alabama Statehouse, local courthouses or churches, Alabama Baptists are encouraged to take time right where they are to pray for their city, state and nation on Thursday, May 7.
Jackson is in the process of preparing a prayer guide for that purpose, which will be available soon at alsbom.org.
“The National Day of Prayer has been an important emphasis that our churches have embraced for years. This year will present unique challenges because of our current reality,” he said. “If there has ever been a time we need to join together in prayer, it is now in these days of uncertainty. Prayer needs to be our first response, not our last resort.”
Alabama pray at-home events
Some cities are organizing “pray at home” events to observe the National Day of Prayer. For example:
- In Birmingham, anyone interested in participating is asked to pray at noon on May 7. To mark the time, someone will blow a shofar just before noon — a tradition that usually opens and closes the city’s annual Bible reading marathon. Only those nearby will hear it, but it will likely also be broadcast on Facebook Live, according to event organizer Sheila Wright.
- Mobile’s pray-at-home event will also kick off with a shofar at 12 a.m. May 7. At 12 noon, people are asked to pray for a variety of topics from government to coronavirus to the military and first responders. Guided prayer will take place at 7 p.m. on Canopy of Prayer’s Facebook page.
- In Lee County, National Day of Prayer programming will be broadcast on Hallelujah 1520 radio from midnight to 12:30 p.m.
- The Huntsville/Madison County area will be able to participate in their local event at noon at facebook.com/DwellingPlaceHSV.
Jackson said he encourages people across the state to get involved in the observance.
“Set aside time to personally get before the Lord in prayer,” he said. “Seek His face. Intercede on behalf of our world, nation and communities to turn to Him, turn from their wicked way, humbling ourselves so He might hear our prayer, forgive our sin and heal our land.”
National broadcast
A broadcast put on by the National Day of Prayer Task Force will also be available May 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. through Facebook Live, Daystar Television, GOD TV and other sources.
The broadcast features speakers and musicians such as Will Graham, Jim Cymbala and Michael W. Smith.
For more information or to find a virtual event near you, visit nationaldayofprayer.org.
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