The first Thursday in May marks the National Day of Prayer.  This year the first Thursday is on May 5th.  I am so thankful that our nation has a long history of setting aside one day of the year to pray for our nation and thank God for our many blessings.  

In 1994 New Jersey passed a law, which was signed by then Gov. Whitman, in agreement with the Federal law, naming the first Thursday in May a Day of Prayer in New Jersey.  Praise God!

This year the National Day of Prayer Task Force, led by Mrs. Shirley Dobson, has given us the theme for this year, Wake Up America.  They have also supplied the verse for this year – Is. 58:1a “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.”  Oh, I hope not one of us will hold back but will, with a strong voice, praise our God and with a desperate heart cry out to Him for our nation and its leaders.

A gentleman named Gary P. Berge developed a palm card with 30 ways to pray for people in authority.  I have always found it helpful.  Although there are many topics to cover on the National Day of Prayer, today I want to encourage you to pray for our government leaders.

Here are just a few suggestions from Gary Berge’s card:
1. That they be God -earing and recognize that they are accountable to Him for each
decision and act. (Prov. 9:10)
2. That they be granted wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. (Jas. 1:5)
3. That they be presented with the gospel and a loving Christian witness. (Ro. 10:14)
4. That, if unsaved, they be drawn to a saving encounter with Christ; if born again,
they be strengthened and encouraged in their faith. (1 Tim. 2:4, Eph. 1:17-23)
5. That they recognize their own inadequacy and pray and seek the will of God.
(Prov. 3:5-8, Lk. 11:9-13)

Blessings,
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

For more information on the National Day of Prayer go to: http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org

For Gary Bergel’s complete “Ways to Pray for People in Authority” go to:
http://www.getamericapraying.com/downloads/30%20Ways%20bookmark-FINAL8.pdf or at http://www.ifapray.org/