Why a National Day of Prayer?

Lori Wagner, Michigan State NDP Coordinator

Americans are privileged to live in one of the richest nations in the world, yet a question cries out to be answered: Has America lost her true treasure? Are her families intact? Her children secure? Are sacred principles of integrity, loyalty and the sanctity of human life respected and protected?

Most of us would agree, America is in need of prayer.

Prayer has been a vital component of our national heritage. The first official call sounded in 1775, when the Continental Congress requested prayers for wisdom to form our government. President Lincoln proclaimed a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer.” In 1952, Congress unanimously voted on a joint resolution that established an annual day of prayer, later amended to secure the date on the first Thursday of every May.

National Days of Prayer are more than significant activities in our nation’s history; they are critical to our future. They are days set aside to remember our rich heritage—and like our founding fathers, humbly seek God’s wisdom, guidance and grace.

Thursday, May 3, will mark the 61st annual observance. Thousands of events with millions of expected participants are being planned across the nation with a unifying theme, “One Nation Under God,” supported by Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

In Lansing, a noon event will take place on the steps in front of the State Capitol Building. For one hour, legislators, community leaders, children, and men and women of all ages, walks of life and Christian denominations will stop their usual activities and gather to ask God’s blessing and protection upon our nation.

The public is invited. For more information, including confirmed participants and sponsorship opportunities, as well as a link to find other events, visit www.ndpmi.blogspot.com. You may also contact Lori Wagner at (248) 909-5735