Times of crisis expose our deep need for God’s mercy, power, and intervention. Throughout our history, Americans have expressed that need through prayer. From Colonial days to the present, our leaders have called for various days of prayer, and our nations’ citizens have responded. In 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill allowing each U.S. president to proclaim a regular National Day of Prayer. However, it wasn’t until 1988 that the annual observance was designated to occur the first Thursday in May.
We have always been grateful for our religious liberties in the United States, as evidenced by the countless public gatherings – of every size, in every state – each year on the National Day of Prayer. From church basements to stadiums, people gather to petition the Lord on behalf of our country. Just a year ago, we could not have imagined that the need to avoid spreading a global pandemic would restrict us from physically coming together for the 2020 prayer event.
Today’s situation underscores the need to pray for our nation in unprecedented ways. As always, we will pray for our leaders, schools and the media, for our families, faith communities, and those who are hurting and in need. This year’s prayers will include a new appreciation and fresh intercession for first responders and front-line workers. We’re seeing every aspect of American life in a new light these days, aren’t we?
How will all this affect our prayers – all that’s going on, which just a few short months ago, we never dreamt would be happening now?
First and foremost, may it truly draw us to our knees. May the needs of this season – these times in which we live and steward in both prayer and action – inform our prayers. Even more, may the grandeur of our God and His faithfulness inform our faith as we pray.
Let’s pray. Let’s pray today, on this National Day of Prayer, and every day in this unique time in which we live.
Our leaders – those in place now and those elected later this year – need God’s wisdom to navigate this pandemic and its ramifications in every corner of society. We need our economy to recover and thrive, and families need reliable income and resources. Schools and businesses require guidance to adapt while providing education, goods and services in this fast-changing landscape. Believers and communities of faith look to God for innovative ways to gather and reach out. And citizens throughout America seek comfort, healing, assurance, answers and hope.
God is the ultimate source for all we need today in our nation and world, and He responds to His people when we pray.
Here at Jewish Voice Ministries, we are praying not only for the United States but for Israel – the apple of God’s eye and always at the forefront of our thoughts and intercessions. We are also praying for the world’s other nations, including places where we minister, such as Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, which are undergoing hardships that are both similar and unique.
Join us, in this time of great need, as we call upon our great and unfailing God. We “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth,” which is the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer, based on Habakkuk 2:14. May revival and global harvest come to our nation, to Israel and the world as God’s glory is displayed in us, through us, and in answer to our prayers.
“For the earth will be filled with knowing the glory of Adonai, as the waters cover the sea.”– Habakkuk 2:14
