NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER – MAY 1

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“…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)

“Prayer lays hold of God’s plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth.” (Elisabeth Elliot)

“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.” (Corrie Ten Boom)

“God warms His hands at man’s heart when he prays.” (John Masefield)

“God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil....” (E.M. Bounds)

“There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer.” (D.A.T. Pierson)

“To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” (Billy Graham)

“Prayer is the exercise of drawing on the grace of God.” (Oswald Chambers)

Every day is a great day to pray, but the first Thursday in May has been designated by Congress and the President as the “National Day of Prayer.” A number of prayer-focused events are planned throughout the land, including here in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Wherever you are on Thursday, I hope you’ll take time out to join with others and celebrate our freedom to seek God’s face on this special day of prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you that as those who seek you will cry out in prayer, you are faithful to hear us, and to meet our needs in accordance with your good, pleasing and perfect will. Receive the honor and glory due your name, not only on May 1, but every day, we pray. Amen.