Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The National of Prayer

On May 7th, 2009, our nation marks the 58th year for the Annual Day of Prayer (NDP). This event is for Americans of all faiths to come together to pray for our nation and it's leaders. The NDP was established by an Act of Congress in 1952 by President Truman. Days of Prayer have been called as early as 1775, with the first Continental Congress and continued throughout our nation's history until President Truman designated the first Thursday in May as the official National Day of Prayer. The NDP belongs to all Americans. It is not a political event. Since 1988, every president has been encouraging Americans to participate in the National Day of Prayer. 

The National Day of Prayer was created by an Act of Congress, and is therefore intended for all. President Truman established, with and Act of Congress, the first Thursday in May, as the official annual National Day of Prayer. The NDP prays for our legislators, military, media, families, churches and educators.

This year, the Obama administration has issued a media release, that there will be no White House observance, or participation, for the National Day of Prayer. However, the White House has indicated it will release a proclamation recognizing the NDP.              

The National Day of Prayer Task Force, has issued the following statement: "While there will be tens of thousands of prayer gatherings throughout the nation on May 7th, the Obama administration announced, there will not be a White House observance for the National Day of Prayer this year, contrary to the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush, President George H. W. Bush, and President Ronald Reagan. A White House Observance was not held during the administration of President Bill Clinton." 

It has been announced, the White House will release some kind of proclamation, recognizing the National Day of Prayer, but apparently it will not be made available until Thursday, May 7, which makes it too late for organizations to distribute.    

We must pray especially for our president and our nation at this time. That's what we're called to do. However, we must recognize that there may be more to the administration's non-involvement than meets the eye.

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