On Thursday, May 4th, millions of Americans across our nation took time out from their busy schedules to observe a tradition that is actually older than America itself. That tradition is people gathering to pray for their communities and their country.
On June 12, 1775, the Second Continental Congress recognized the importance of prayer across the colonies, saying, “We may, with united hearts and voices, unfeignedly confess and deplore our many sins, and offer up our Joint supplications to the all- wise, omnipotent, and merciful Disposer of all events.”
Twenty-two years later, President John Adams further built on the tradition of a single day focused on prayer:
“I have therefore thought fit to recommend, and I do hereby recommend, that Wednesday, the 9th day of May next, be observed throughout the United States as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer.”
President Truman issued a proclamation in 1952 formally instituting National Day of Prayer, and it’s been an annual occurrence since.
Our National Day of Prayer is important, in part, because prayer is important. But it’s also important because prayer is a core component of our nation’s past and future.
Scripture tells us repeatedly to pray: Pray in joy, pray in adoration, pray in times of sorrow, pray in times of need. Pray for all reasons. Pray “continually.”
In a statement, Dr. David Jeremiah said about the National Day of Prayer:
“Our world is facing unprecedented uncertainty. Health, finances, politics—every aspect of life seems to be hanging in the balance. Yet there is one source of true hope and healing, and that is Almighty God. He has promised, “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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
This year’s theme verse was taken from the second part of James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
For the past couple of years, due to the Covid situation, the local observance had been conducted on the radio. But this year the Mount Airy Ministerial Association was pleased to hold the services in two locations. Between 60 and 70 people gathered in front of the Mount Airy City Hall at noon and heard an inspiring message from Dr. Darrell Tate the Pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church. He encouraged the crowd to be bold and to pray for our political and local leaders, for the nation and for one another.
The event started with the presentation of colors by Mount Airy Fire Chief, Zane Poindexter, and Mount Airy Police Chief, Dale Watson. Dr. David Sparks of Flat Rock Pentecostal Church was the moderator for the service and Melissa Vernon led the crowd in singing the “National Anthem” and later in closing, “God Bless American.” Mount Airy Mayor, Jon Cawley, read a proclamation announcing Mount Airy’s support for the National Day of Prayer.
A similar service was held in Dobson, NC, on the Courthouse lawn. Pastor D. M. Dalton, President of the Mount Airy Ministerial Association, moderated that gathering and Pastor Austin Caviness of Rocky Ford Christian Church gave the sermon and the benediction.
It was great to see Christians across the nation take the time and come together and pray for our country on May 4th. Hopefully that will be just the beginning of many more days of prayer. Our country definitely needs it and our God is faithful to hear and answer our prayers!