National Day of Prayer

In 1952, U.S. President Harry S. Truman established the National Day of Prayer.  Sixty-eight years later, on May 7th, millions of people of faith, I hope, will pray for our nation.  I will be one among those millions.  Together, in spirit, we will pray for our leaders, officials, government operations as a whole, and all the people of our nation.  

From where does such an idea come?  While America's National Day of Prayer was not ordained by God, the call to pray for our leaders was indeed divinely issued.  Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul wrote to Timothy . . .

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession 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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

I was born during the Watergate scandal.  In my near half-century of life, I have witnessed more than one "scandal."  I grew up hearing about a "peanut farmer" and then a "Hollywood actor" serving as our presidents.  I remember "read my lips" and later the first (in my lifetime) impeachment trials.  The debates over "real" military service followed by others over birthplace of origin are fresh on my mind.  And the current crossfire is nearly non-stop.  

In six months, another major political decision will be made by those who vote.  No matter who "wins," I am confident that more dirt will fly.

Unfortunately scandals will continue.  It can be added to the list of "death and taxes."  So what should we do?  Paul already told us.  Read it again.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession 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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Join me on the 7th.  Pray for our nation.

#ordinarylives

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"Grace" by Eric Enstrom