Today, May 1, is the National Day of Prayer. This morning the All Faiths Club in my retirement community sponsored an outdoor gathering under a large pavilion to observe this noteworthy day. I don't know if the club has done this before, but when I heard about it this year, I was very pleased to add it to my calendar.
All faiths (anyone and everyone) were welcome. Eight local churches were represented by the speakers. I say "speakers;" they didn't deliver sermons but led us in brief prayers on assigned topics appropriate for the occasion:
Family
Church
Workplace
Education
Military
Government
Arts and Media
County
We began with standing to say the Pledge of Allegiance, followed with the singing of God Bless America and Goodness of God.
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| link to God Bless America by Kate Smith |
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| link to Goodness of God by CeCe Winans |
I like to think very few of our citizens would disagree that we need to be praying for our country, no matter how we cast our votes last November. While voting and abiding by the laws of our nation are imperative for good government, prayer to God is the most important thing we can do for our nation -- today and every day.
I urge, then, first of all,
that petitions, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgiving be made
for all people --
for kings and all those in authority,
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives
in all godliness and holiness.
I Timothy 2:1-2
Years ago it was my privilege to work in the National Day of Prayer offices in Colorado Springs where arrangements were made for gatherings like this one. Since then, the effort has expanded and that means more people are reminded of the power of prayer and the need for it.
Biblical scripture teaches that government is established by God to create order, enforce justice, and punish crime. May we all pray to that end.
Grace and peace to you.
13 comments:
I love this! How wonderful to see all those people gathering to pray.
I agree, it's the most important thing we can do; for our nation, our families, our friends and ourselves.
How wonderful that your community came together for this very meaningful prayer event. That is really amazing! We did not have anything organized here, and I am sorry that we didn't. It was acknowledged and people were encouraged to pray today, especially around 1:00. Yes, our country and communities all need a LOT of prayer. I am thankful that our country still recognizes that we are "one nation, UNDER God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." And I am thankful that this National Day of prayer was set apart by our government many years ago and that it is still being observed today. That in itself is a real blessing.
Amen, Amen, Amen!! I am sorry I didn't know today was a national day of prayer. I do pray daily, sometimes many times a day but how wonderful to be engaged in a large group of praying believers!! xo
I agree... we always pray. I caught up reading after my little trip. Sounds like Easter was a hit and family time was had. That is always good.
There was a small event in town. I wanted to attend, but it was held outside on the lawn in front of the library and that is just a big no right now with all the pollen. I did spend the time praying for our country, its people and for specific prayer request. Have a wonderfully relaxing weekend, Barbara.
Looks like a great gathering with the benefit of encouragement to pray. The best way to start off May. Happy May to you!
What a beautiful gathering, Barbara, and for the best of reasons. Let us all pray daily for our nation and give thanks to God for all His many and mighty blessings. Happy May!
Praying for world peace. God bless.
Loved hearing how you all gathered to pray for our Nation. We are called to pray. I hope that your May is beautiful to you and Gary. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Beautiful...wishing you peace and grace as well.
Sounds like a lovely event.
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