National Day of Prayer

This coming Thursday will be the 69th annual observance of America’s National Day of Prayer. What many do not realize is that the observance of this day is a national law, not just a day proclaimed by some special interest group. In 1952, President Truman made the National Day of Prayer an annual observance. His action was amended by congress. On May 5, 1988, President Reagan made the National Day of Prayer the first Thursday in May. The theme verse for this year is Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth will be filled, with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” As a member of America’s National Prayer Committee, I invite you to join me in praying for our country on Thursday, May 7. Let us especially pray for an end to and a cure for COVID-19. On July 3, 1849, during a cholera epidemic, President Zachary Taylor proclaimed: “The providence of God has manifested itself in the visitation of a fearful pestilence which is spreading itself throughout the land, it is fitting that a people whose reliance has ever been in His protection should humble themselves before His throne…acknowledging past transgressions, ask a continuance of the Divine mercy.” For more information and assistance, you can go to nationaldayofprayer.org.

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.