Americans Called to National Day of Prayer on May 5th

NDP_Theme-SM_F1The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for our nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Since its inception, this day has continually united Americans from all socio-economic, political, and ethnic backgrounds in prayer while also encouraging personal repentance and righteousness in the culture. The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans and is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens to celebrate our most beloved freedom; the freedom to humbly come before God and seek his guidance in prayer.

The 65th annual National Day of Prayer, May 5, 2016, will have profound significance for our country.  It is an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power made manifest as we call on citizens to humbly come before his throne.

The theme for 2016 is Wake Up America, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to return to the God of our Fathers in reverence for His holy name. To further highlight the theme, Isaiah 58:1a has been chosen as the Scripture for this year:  “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.”

For the May 5th observances, Dr. Tony Evans, the 2016 Honorary Chairman, wrote a special prayer to be simultaneously read throughout the nation at noon (ET).  Millions of people will gather to pray at thousands of events facilitated by volunteer coordinators. A variety of resources have been assembled to equip people to organize and publicize prayer gatherings, citywide prayer breakfasts, worship services, and rallies.  The NDP staff is also available to answer questions at (800) 444-8828.

At this crucial time for our nation, we can do nothing more important than pray.  We need to make this spiritual discipline a personal priority as we encourage others to incorporate prayer in their lives. There are a number of ways for you to get involved in the 65th annual National Day of Prayer. Here are a few highlights:

 

Pray As One

Uniting as one, appealing to Heaven to change the spiritual climate in our nation, As One is a national call to prayer. The basic strategy revolves around two 40-day periods of prayer walking, fasting, and corporate prayer events. The first will start on Easter Sunday, March 27 and run through the National Day of Prayer on May 5.  The second begins on September 30 and ends on Election Day.

Here is how it works:

1.Join the 40-day Prayer Challenge and receive a daily prayer guide via email.

2.Adopt your street in prayer.

3.Find or host a Prayer Gathering on the National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 5.

“So that with one mind and one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:6).

 

Pray for Election Day

On November 8, 2016, millions will cast their vote, selecting from an array of candidates — potential leaders who will impact the direction of the United States of America. This is a freedom that has come at a high cost for many over the 240 years since declaring independence from England in 1776.

Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States said, “If the people fail to vote, a government will be developed which is not their government… The whole system of American Government rests on the ballot box. Unless citizens perform their duties there, such a system of government is doomed to failure.”

  1. Register to vote and make it a priority to exercise this freedom
  2. Pray: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
  3. Download a free 2016 Election Prayer Guide at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
  4. Find your local Family Policy Council and download your regional voter guide.
  5. Join the National Prayer Call, November 8, 11 a.m. – 12 noon ET: 712-432-0075, PIN: 4961322#
  6. Commit to Pray for all people in authority.
  7. Commit to pray for 40 days beginning September 30 through November 8.

 

The Scriptures tell us that where two or more are gathered, there he is in our midst (Matthew 18:20). Mobilizing prayer can happen in your home, your place of business, church, park or community meeting location and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Further information is available online at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.

 

Bob Woods has worked as an engineer at AECOM Technical Services and HBC Engineering, and is a published Christian author. He can be reached at [email protected].

 

Find A National Day of Prayer Gathering Near You.

Broward National Day of Prayer Breakfast, 7- 9 a.m.

Signature Grand, 6900 W. State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale

Tickets for the breakfast are available at eventbrite.com or call 954-224-4732.

 

Join in prayer from 12 – 2 p.m. at one of the following locations:

City of Fort Lauderdale City Hall

Commissioner’s Chambers

100 North Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale

 

City of Sunrise (By the flag pole)

10610 West Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise

 

City of Lauderhill City Hall

5581 West Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill

 

City of Lauderdale Lakes

Multi-purpose Room

4320 NW 36th St, Lauderdale Lakes

 

Call (800) 444-8828 for more info.

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