HISTORY OF NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Throughout history, there have been few national days of prayer. In fact, there were only a few noteworthy ones between the 1700s – 1900s. The National Day of Prayer that we know today was founded in 1952, and it was co-founded effort between the United States Congress and President Harry S. Truman.
The holiday was signed into law by President Truman, and every president since has signed a proclamation that encourages Americans to pray on and celebrate this day. The theme of the 2021 National Day of Prayer is love, life, and liberty. The national holiday has always been the first Thursday of May every year since it was founded in 1952. This year it is May 6. It stands as a day that continues the decision-making of the country’s founding fathers, which used the morals from biblical lessons in difficult situations. Basically, using God’s guidance to make important decisions in the country and for yourself. Just like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the National Day of Prayer has become recognized by Americans nation-wide.
Knowing that America was founded by people of European-descent with predominantly Christian backgrounds, it’s no surprise that this holiday was originally created to celebrate Christian faith. National Day of Prayer was an effort to ask American citizens “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”
Not sure what to pray? Here’s a list of things to pray for on National Day of Prayer:
The President
The Vice President
Our nation’s military
For our country’s leaders to have wisdom in decision making
For our country to submit to God and His authority
Praise and gratitude
Families and communities
Those suffering and in need
If you need personal prayer, please feel free to call the church office at (805) 529-8422 or click HERE to submit a prayer request.
