The 57th Annual National Day of Prayer

The 57th Annual National Day of Prayer will take place Thursday, May 1, 2008. The theme for this year is “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield” and is based on the verse from Psalm 28:7, which states:

The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.

National days of prayer are a rich tradition in the United States. The first call to prayer came in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming the nation. In 1952, President Truman signed a joint resolution by Congress declaring an annual national day of prayer. Then, in 1988, the Truman law was amended, permanently establishing the first Thursday of May as the National Day of Prayer. Our country has been uniting in prayer on that day ever since.

The main way that you can become involved is to pray for our nation on Thursday, May 1, 2008.

Some suggested areas that you might begin with as you pray for our nation are:

Pray for those who are currently serving in public office: federal; state; and local:

President, Vice President and Cabinet members
U.S. Congress members
U.S. Supreme Court, Judges
State and local officials

November Election:

Now, with the nation counting down to the November presidential election, pray for God’s guidance and direction for our nation.

Pray for all branches of the Armed Forces:

Pray for our service personnel as they continue to serve faithfully, safeguarding the causes of freedom and democracy. Pray for their efforts to be effective and beneficial in Iraq and all parts of the world. Pray for safety and protection for each one, asking God to intervene in every situation where there is danger, and potential for loss of life.

One Nation Under God:

Pray for our nation, that it would move closer and closer to a country “Under God,” not further away. There are movements in our land, under the banner of “Separation of Church and State,” that would like to remove any acknowledgments of God, anywhere in our land and society.

Thank God for the many freedoms we have to worship Him!

Dr. Ravi Zacharias is this years Honorary Chairman. He encourages us to join him in praying for America:

Holy Father, in a world where so many are hungry,
You have given us food in abundance;

In a world where so many are hurting,
You offer to bind up our wounds;

In a world where so many are lonely,
You offer friendship to every heart;

In a world longing for peace,
You offer hope.

Yet, we are so stubborn and resistant.
Have mercy upon us, Lord.

Our nation is at a crossroads this year;
we look to you to be our strength and shield.

Please give us the guidance to elect one who will honor you
and to respond to the wisdom from above
so that our hope may be renewed and our blessings be treasured.

In God’s holy name.

We hope that this day of prayer would be a blessing to you as you join our staff in praying for our nation. May it impact your life and may praying for our nation move from a one-day event to a lifetime endeavor – to God’s glory and praise!

Let us know how God is blessing you! To share your prayers or comments, just click on the no comments / comments below.

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Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

Heavenly Father – We praise your Holy Name! We serve You with gladness and come before Your presence with songs of joy in our hearts. Praise Your Holy Name! Praise Jesus! Praise the Holy Spirit! You are our God, Creator of all things. You are our Shepherd, guide and lead us, as we enter Your care with praise and thankfulness – Bless Your Holy Name! Your truth endures to all generations. Let this generation rise up and praise You! Amen.

Let us know how God is blessing you! To share your prayers or comments, just click on the no comments / comments below.

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IJM Follow-up – Global Prayer Gathering 2008

Last week-end, the International Justice Mission (IJM) held its annual “Global Prayer Gathering,” in the Washington, DC area. The Gathering brought IJM staff members, students, and prayer warriors from all over the world, together for the sole purpose of praying for the arduous and merciful work of IJM.

IJM is a human rights agency that seeks to secure justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of unjust oppression, that is occurring at epidemic rates all over the world.

We strongly encourage you to visit their Web site to find out more about their work and service to God: and, if the Lord should incline your heart, to pray and become involved: www.ijm.org.

Prayer:

Father, we lift up the ministry of IJM to You: their staff members at their headquarters and field offices across the world.

There are men, women, and little children who are being exploited by violent predators all over the world, as slaves, objects of trafficking – victims of greed and usury – who are crying out to You, Father.

Help and protect IJM’s staff in their investigations, victim rescues and aftercare, prosecution of perpetrators, and prevention, as they work in many cities, villages, and communities throughout the world. May it be to Your honor and glory, that through the work of IJM, many may see Your light shining in the dark recesses of our world – and be drawn closer to You, Father. Amen.

Let us know how God is blessing you! To share your prayers or comments, just click on the no comments / comments below.

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A Global Gathering for Prayer in Washington

This weekend (April 11 – 13), the International Justice Mission (IJM) will gather together in the Washington, D.C., area, for its annual “Global Prayer Gathering.” This is a time when thousands of prayer warriors made-up of staff, students, and friends, from all over the world, convene in our nation’s capital, for the sole purpose of prayer: prayer for the work of IJM, for our nation; and for our world. Delegates from the battlefields of injustices in various lands, share firsthand about recent casework victories for victims of violent oppression, as well as the joys, challenges and prayer needs of their field offices.                

                                          

IJM President and CEO Gary Haugen and others will be leading the gathering in reflection and prayer, with Lamont Hiebert and the group, Ten Shekel Shirt, leading in songs of worship.  

                                                                            

Members of UNI’s staff will be participating in the “Prayer Gathering 2008,” and invite you to join us in prayer, wherever you might be, for the work of IJM. To find out more about their work and mission, visit their Web site at: ijm.org.   

                

Let us know how God is blessing you! To share your comments, just click on the no comments / comments below.

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