ONE NATION UNDER GOD!
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (
Psalm 33:12)
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, encouraging those of all faiths to pray for the nation.
The 61st National Day of Prayer will convene Thursday, May 3, 2012. The theme for this year's event is ONE NATION UNDER GOD. The accompanying scripture is "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (
Psalm 33:12) Multitudes will participate in this special occasion.
The National Day of Prayer has been a vital part of American heritage since the first call to prayer in 1775 by the Continental Congress when it asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation. President Abraham Lincoln later proclaimed a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. In 1952 a joint resolution, passed by Congress and was signed by President Harry S. Truman, declared an annual National Day of Prayer. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan permanently set the day as the first Thursday in May of each year.
Many Americans will gather in the public and private places to pause and pray for our nation and our leaders; numerous will pray for the various main centers of power, such as government, church, education, media, family, business, and military. Some from other nations will participate also. Our country's founding fathers sought the guidance and wisdom of God, as leaders. The National Day of Prayer signifies that prayer remains to be an important part of our nation today, as it was in the very beginning.
Everyone is encouraged to be a part of this corporate prayer, as we pray for America and also for other nations. This week's ECHOgram features a prayer agenda on praying for America and other nations. Entreat the Lord that more Christians will realize their responsibility to pray for their leaders and become involved, and informed of moral legislation, to help effectively pray for the nation. Intercede that God would raise up and sustain, accordingly, honorable and righteous men and women in national government positions.
Proverbs 29:2 says "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." Pray that scripturally we indeed be a "rejoicing people" and truly "ONE NATION UNDER GOD," for surely, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!"
Flo Shaw
International Coordinator
World Network of Prayer
ECHOgram
Prayer for America and Other Nations
Pray for our president and all governmental officials of America and other nations. Pray God would direct us in the Spirit as we pray for our present administration, our current leaders from every rank - government officials on the national, state, and city levels.
Render prayer for all spiritual leaders and churches. Pray that all leaders will love the Truth; have divine knowledge and the spirit of wisdom; display courage and integrity; be sharp in insight and quick in discernment; practice Godly and moral principles; maintain good health; have God's protection and divine strength; and have specific needs met.
Pray that our leaders would allow God's mighty hand to direct and guide them to lead America and to be an advocate of His great design for the country. Pray that in the midst of economic crisis and uncertainty that God's wisdom and power would flow through them and that it would be displayed in their speech and their actions.
Petition for our federal judiciary leaders who value constitutional rights and religious liberties. Intercede that efforts and proposed legislation would not prosper that seek to remove our acknowledgement of God in our nation.
Pray for those who are candidates in the upcoming presidential election in America. Pray for God's will to be done. Pray for all elections, that God will fill vacancies that exist or will emerge by those who He has purposed to, according to His great plan.
Intercede that voters would look beyond personal biases and to that which most honors God and represents His interests and desire for the nation. Pray that believers would unite around God's agenda, and not party affiliation.
Pray that God would pour out His Spirit upon our national leaders and make His Word known to them. Pray that their hearts and ears would be attentive to godly counsel, doing what is right in God's sight. Intercede that they be just, and lead in the fear of God. Pray that they surround themselves with good staff members and advisers.
Supplicate that the nation and its leaders remember to adhere to the scripture "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land"
II Chronicles 7:14. Pray that the Lord would raise up a standard in the nation and "revive His work in the midst of us." Pray for the seven centers of power: government, church, education, media, family, business, and military.
Pray that God would raise up more intercessors in America and other nations to pull down strongholds that are contrary to His plan.
Believe for a great awakening to sweep across America and nations worldwide. Pray for great revival and that God "pour out His Spirit upon all flesh," as His glory is revealed!
Flo Shaw
International Coordinator
World Network of Prayer
Please send photos and stories from your National Day of Prayer involvment
Please send photos and a written report of your involvement in the National Day of Prayer to Lisa Marshall at
lmarshall@upci.org.
Year of Prayer (May) - Government
Every day men and women put their life on the line so that you and I can live in
peace and freedom. Daily these people so bravely walk in harms way so that
you and I can enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Military personnel place their lives on the line daily protecting our freedom.
Firemen, police, rescue workers and health care personnel place themselves at
risk daily to insure our safety and health. The least we can do is provide a prayer
covering for these individuals.
As you pray for each of these four groups, why not send a card to let them know
that you or your church is praying for them.
Pray:
* That each would serve with dignity and integrity
* That those who do not know you would experience salvation
* That those who do know you would be a strong witness.
* For protection since they are daily in dangerous and volatile situations
* For strength for the weary
* Peace of mind
POLICE
Police officers conduct criminal investigations and combat crime among many
other responsibilities. Daily they are involved in volatile and dangerous situations.
The job is not an easy one. He/she must put his/her life on the line everyday.
Without these dedicated people, we would live in chaos and continual fear.
Pray
That they would be protected from harm.
They would have the courage to do the things that their job requires.
That they would be people of character and principles.
They would be free from corruption and wrong-doing.
They would know you as their Lord and Savior.
That they would serve with dignity and integrity.
They would be a witness to those around them who don't know Christ.
Week 1 - Police
Week 2 - Firemen
Week 3 - Health Care Services
Week 4 - Military
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