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Date:
May 4, 2023
Time:
12:00 PM
Location:

Outside City Hall

Address:
30360 Cougar Bend
Bulverde, TX 78163
Cost:
FREE
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National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 4, 2023


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 a 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 national holiday has always been the first Thursday of May every year since it was founded in 1952. 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 nationwide, and it is even recognized and celebrated in all Hallmark calendars.

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 the Christian faith. National Day of Prayer was an effort to ask American citizens “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”

According to the National Day of Prayer website, there’s a need for every individual to take time to personal repentance and prayer and to mobilize the Christian community. However, there are no laws saying National Day of Prayer can’t be celebrated by all cultures, beliefs, and religions, and as America grew to become a multicultural nation, it is widely celebrated by more than just those in the Christian community.

 

 

(From the National Day of Prayer website):

How to Pray for America


WHY PRAY FOR AMERICA?

God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware. Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men.

As we Pray for America whose pledge of allegiance recounts that we are “one nation under God,” and whose currency states that it is “in God we trust,” we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country. “He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth—the LORD God Almighty is His name.”
—Amos 4:13 NIV

He is the One who gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” As we humbly and diligently seek Him, we’ll be changed, and we’ll see transformation in America through prayer!


HOW TO PRAY FOR AMERICA - BY PRAYING INTO SEVEN CENTERS OF INFLUENCE IN OUR NATION


GOVERNMENT

Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity.

(I Kings 3:28; I Timothy
2:1-2; Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 11:3;
Romans 13:1-2)

To read more on WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for the government, visit "Praying for Leaders and Elected Officials in Government"

Federal Government

Consider praying for our President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, Supreme Court Justices

State Government

Consider praying for your Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, Judicial Leaders

Local Government

Consider praying for your Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials

 

MILITARY

“He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them...and encouraged them with these words: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him. With him only is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles...’” (2 Chronicles 32:6-8)

Perseverance to endure hardship (Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:6)

Wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command (Romans 13:1)

Protection and support for the families they have left behind (Romans 1:8-10)

To read more on WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for the military, visit "Praying For Our Armed Services"

 

MEDIA

“...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

The decision makers within the media to realize they can make a profit by producing uplifting projects (Proverbs 8:10-11)

Christians in media to find favor and be filled with creative ideas that bring kingdom principles and life-giving messages to the public (Proverbs 2:1-15)

To read more on WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for businesses, visit "Praying for Arts, Entertainment and Media"

 

BUSINESS

“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working...” (Exodus 31:3-4)

Impartation of ideas and resources to open principled businesses, especially in areas that need an economic boost (Psalm 132:15)

Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers (Philippians 2:3)

To read more on WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for businesses, visit "Praying for Businesses and the Workplace"

 

EDUCATION

“If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:3-6)

A safe atmosphere conductive to learning

Excellence in educators (Exodus 18:20-21)

Equal opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential (Philippians 1:9)

To read more about WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for churches, visit "Praying For the Education of Young People"

 

CHURCH

“So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8)

The church would find a new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matt 22:37)

Unity with and among churches that reveal God’s love to the world (John 17:23)

Integrity–that God’s people look and act differently from the world (I Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 13:6)

To read more about WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for churches, visit "Praying for the Body of Christ"

 

FAMILY

“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25)

Unity and love in individual families that reach out in hospitality toward others (Romans 12:9-13)

Establish healthy relationships between parents and children (Malachi 4:5-6)

To read more about WHY, HOW, and WHAT to pray for families, visit "Praying for Families In Our Nation"

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