Let Us Pray
Did you stop to pray today? Today - May 1, 2008-is this year's National Day of Prayer. Each year on the first Thursday of May, believers in cities across the country seek to communicate the importance and power of prayer through this observance. On this day, the need for prayer is emphasized and promoted.
I found (through a web search) that, the annual observance of this prayer day is commemorated in a variety of ways. I found that in some cities, there are prayer services in public parks...while in others, there are focused prayer rallies, and in still other situations there are prayer concerts or prayer marathons. There are prayer meetings being held in large arenas and in front of public buildings; there are dedicated youth prayer events; there are prayer breakfasts. I even read about some children's prayer balloon launches to celebrate the day. Prayer walks, vigils, studies, and "open houses of prayer" ...the list goes on. In whatever way the purpose of the day is communicated, the goal is to promote "the need" for prayer.
As we pray, let us remember those who are hungry, and those who are homeless. Let us pray for those who are hurting, or lonely, those who are afraid, those in financial distress, and those who seek peace. ...For those who are sick, those who are dying, those who grieve, those who are in prison, and those who have lost their hope. ...For the safety of our children, and the protection of the frail ones in our midst. ...For the needs of our communities, and the mission of the church. ...For those preparing to be baptized, confirmed, received, or reaffirmed.
Let us remember to pray for forgiveness, and for justice and mercy for all. And let us remember to pray with praise and thanksgiving for all of God's goodness and mercy.
Wherever we are and whatever we are doing, we can pray. All day long, we can pray. Let us pray in the morning, at noontime and at night... without ceasing! Pray for others, pray for ourselves. There is indeed always a need for prayer.
Prayer is conversation with God, and life as a believer is all about that relationship. Through discipline and faithfulness, we are strengthened in our prayer lives. So, may this day of prayer be the beginning of an even stronger relationship.
There is so much for which we can pray, and for which we need to pray. And not just on the National Day of Prayer, but on every day. My prayer for this prayer day is that it may help to create a sustained prayer life for people who do not already have such a prayer life, and help to enhance the prayer life of those who already do have one.
Today we are invited to keep in mind the verse from Psalms 28:7 -"The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." Amen. Alleluia. Let us pray!