National Day Of Prayer Is May 7, 2015: People Will Pray For The Nation And Its Leaders

According to the Christian Post, the 64th annual National Day of Prayer is on Thursday, May 7. It is expected to have the largest number of participants in over 60 years when religious and political leaders join local residents and pray for the nation. More than 43,000 prayer gatherings will take place across the nation.

Wikipedia denotes that the National Day of Prayer is always observed on the first Thursday in May. The observance calls on all people of different faiths in the United States to pray for the nation and its leaders.

It was designated by the United States Congress for people “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” Each year since its inception, the president has signed a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray for the nation on this particular day.

John Bornschein, vice chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force and an executive member of the National Prayer Committee gave a statement about this annual day.

“This coming year marks the 64th anniversary of this important day and we fully expect that the president will sign a proclamation as well as all 50 state governors. Already nearly 40 proclamations have been received and counting.”

This year’s theme for the National Day of Prayer is “Lord, Hear Our Cry” based on 1 Kings 8:28 which reads, “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjxf9Bi0ZCI

Bornschein said the theme emphasizes “the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men.” He gave reference to 2 Chronicles 7:14 to express the Christians’ belief about what prayers will do.

“We believe that God can bring about another great awakening in our nation if we humble ourselves and pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways.”

The National Day of Prayer began in 1952 as an act approved by the U.S. Congress that has continued for six decades. Bornschein says he believes there is still hope for America if prayer and repentance are given on a national scale.

“The Almighty is waiting for Americans to turn back to Him in a posture of prayer and repentance. May we, this day, determine to surrender our ways to Him, giving God the honor He deserves so that, as Psalm 85 states, ‘His glory may dwell in our land.'”

Out of habit, people will pray for personal things on the National Day of Prayer. They should know that while it is fine to do so, they should be intentional about praying specific prayers for the nation and its leaders.

[Image via Getty Image]