The National Day of Prayer has been observed on the first Thursday in May since 1952, when it was designated by Congress and signed into law by President Truman. The day is for citizens of all religious and spiritual traditions to come together in prayer for the welfare of our country.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force organizes and encourages Christian prayer events on the Day of Prayer. You will find information about events around the country as well as prayer resources on the site.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
2009 Prayer for Our Nation
by Beth Moore, Honorary Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force
Father in Heaven,
We lift our eyes toward Your Throne, where You reign in righteousness.
Your Word assures us that when Your people cry out in sincerity and humility, You will never turn a deaf ear to us.
We call upon You now, seeking Your forgiveness and favor.
Look over this fevered landscape and heal us, Lord.
Drop knees to the floor and raise eyes to the sky, for we know where our help comes from.
Unite these States again in devotion to You, and blur every dividing line.
Do not give us over to our sins. Give us, instead, over to passionate prayer that moves Your heart.
“May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You.”
In the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Amen
Prayer for Our Country from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Presidential Prayer Team is holding an online prayer rally for the National Day of Prayer. I spent half an hour in the prayer rally in the wee hours of the morning.
If you are outside the US, you aren’t left out. The Global Day of Prayer is coming up on May 31st.