Historically Speaking. Today, Thursday, May 6th, 2010 marked the 59th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Signed into law on April 17th, 1952 by President Harry S. Truman, this national call to prayer serves as a reminder to one of the first documented calls to prayer by the government of the United States in 1775. Knowing the critical nature of their deliberations and the legacy it would establish for all future generations of U.S. citizens, the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom on their behalf.

Although not signed into law until 1952, there are numerous calls to national prayer throughout our nation’s history. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer.” In fact, from 1789 to present, there have been over 136 calls to national prayer by the President of the United States.

Personally Speaking. I am glad for the Christian heritage and legacy of our nation as represented each year by the National Day of Prayer. However, if a day comes where our President refuses to “declare it”, or our judges try to remove it, it will not negatively effect our right or our ability as believers to gather for prayer and worship. The fact of the matter is, we don’t gather enough as the entire “Church” throughout our region(s)… and nothing is stopping us the other 364 days of the year - nor, should it stop us on the first Thursday in May of each year.

Biblically Speaking. There is only one Biblical prescription for what to do when a nation is in apathy, in need, in turmoil, in famine, or in drought. We find it in 2 Chronicles, Joel, Nehemiah, and Esther (to only name a few prominent ones). We have to come up out of our normal activities (even if it’s your wedding day, or you’re taking care of an infant - see Joel 2), and we have to gather for fasting, prayer, and repentance. The result? HE will hear our prayers, and then do what’s best for us, to try and bring us back into closer relationship with Himself. (2 Chronicles 7; Joel 2)

Crawford County! I was incredibly blessed by this year’s National Day of Prayer. Thank you local pastors for stepping up and doing much of the planning and leading for this year’s event. Thank you, JanaLou Devers, for the vision, organization, and unseen hard work that you sow into this gathering each and every year.

Why was this year so special? I was anticipating (dreadfully) some speeches about the recent court decision ruling the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, and people expressing outrage or like sentiments. Instead, I saw pastors and the people of our area gathering around local family members, church leaders, government leaders, business leaders, media workers, and education system workers to speak BLESSINGS over them. We have a choice “to bless or to curse,” and I am so glad when I see followers of Jesus choose to BLESS! Anyone who came today expecting to see some upset Christians in controversy, hopefully “knew us by our love.”

And, yes, I am the goatee guy playing the guitar that’s been on the news reels from previous years’ gatherings while talking about this year’s National Day of Prayer - and the one that Jared Broyles of Channel 5 interviewed on the Van Buren courthouse lawn today (along with my beautiful daughter, Israel)!