Mickey Starling
ECB Publishing, Inc.
A call to prayer has been a part of American history even before the nation was founded. The Continental Congress first asked the colonists to pray for wisdom in the forming of a nation. Later, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a day of “humiliation, fasting and prayer” in 1863.
The trend towards seeking God's guidance in the affairs of government continued unabated through the decades and became more official in 1952, when Congress filed a joint resolution, signed by President Truman, that declared a national day of prayer. In 1988, President Reagan amended the law, creating the first Thursday in May as the official National Day of Prayer.
The National Day of Prayer continues to be significant because it serves as a reminder of how our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God when faced with important decisions. It is a yearly call for us to come humbly before God and seek His guidance for our leaders an His grace upon our people.
This year, the National Day of Prayer takes place on Thursday, May 6. Check with your local church leaders for more information about special prayer gatherings that may be scheduled for your area.