Since the founding of the United States of America, Congress has called on citizens to observe a National Day of Prayer. On April 17, 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a proclamation, calling on each President following him to declare a National Day of Prayer (a date of his choice).
In 1988, the law was amended to declare the first Thursday in May of each year as the National Day of Prayer. This year, the date falls on May 1st. Anne Graham Lotz is the Honorary Chairperson, and she has written a beautiful prayer that people all over this country will be reading at 12 noon.
When our country was very young, we encountered massive problems. As a result of eight years of war with England, our treasury was empty – we faced bankruptcy. There were banking crises, the real estate market collapsed, we were facing the continual threat of war.
There were French terror cells, as well as pirates in North Africa capturing ships and crews. In fact, 20 percent of the national budget was going to these pirates until Jefferson stepped in with the marines.
Disease and plagues wreaked havoc on citizens. Morale had collapsed; Bibles were burned on college campuses, churches were empty. There was political unrest everywhere; downright hatred if you weren’t in the “correct” party (does any of this sound vaguely familiar?)
But then, in the midst of the spiritual darkness that had fallen on this nation, something supernatural and very wonderful happened. Pastors began to call upon one another in the spirit of united prayer, and a spiritual awakening began that changed the course of history. A remote frontier place called Cane Ridge, Ky was one of the places an especially powerful revival began. As the spiritual condition of this country improved, prosperity returned. We saw churches, schools, colleges and hospitals founded. Bible societies were established.
We had a wonderful opportunity to assemble ourselves on May 1 and join together in corporate prayer; reaching across denominational aisles with one common purpose and goal. God has so richly blessed this nation and He is not through with America.
“So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:6 (This was the verse chosen as the theme for this year’s event).

– Tina Melton, Columbus