Paul CastelliLead where you’re gifted, serve where you’re needed.

As many people are aware this Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. But many people may not know a lot about it. Here is some information about it and some opportunities you can make to be apart of it.

“The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.” LINK

In recent days there has been much discussion on the constitutionality of this day of prayer as an national organized event. To be honest I could care less if some people want to challenge this and here is why. As Americans we have the right to worship freely established in the Constitution. But more importantly then a right given by men, we have the free will given by our creator and the privilege to to come to Him in any circumstance for any reason regardless of what anyone says. In fact he created us to be in relationship with Him and a daily communion with Him, and prayer is one of the ways we do this.

He also gave some commands when it comes to prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-3. So not only should we pray for ourselves, but we should also pray for our  national leaders. So what can you do?

First, make pray part of your daily walk with God. Set aside time each morning or evening for uninterrupted prayer time.

Second, prayer for the people in your life.

Third, prayer for the leaders of your city, county, state and country regularly.

So, this Thursday is the day set aside for our nation to come together and pray. I would encourage you to participate, you can go to a city gathering or you can stop and just take a few moments of your day to gather with some friends, coworkers or by yourself, to pray.

In God’s Hands

Pastor Paul