Sweet hour of prayer

by: marie jon | published: 05 06, 2010

The National Day of Prayer will be a glorious one in spite of all the controversy that blows with today's political winds.

From every state in the USA, there will be prayers offered up unto the Almighty God, for He alone is worthy to be praised. Prayer is a powerful force, and those who understand its effects approach prayer with humility.

Growing contempt for religious expression

Although a U.S. district judge recently declared the National Day of Prayer to be unconstitutional, Christians are not hindered by this latest display of judicial tyranny. Because we hold a deep abiding love of God, we're above the fray. Our lives are guided by a peace that "passes all understanding." And that same abiding love keeps us centered when faced with trials.

This year's National Day of Prayer will be remembered for its trials. Below are excerpts from ChristianNewsToday.com — "National Day of Prayer Task Force Defends Honorable Chairman Franklin Graham's Involvement in Washington D.C. Observance on May 6th":

"COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO — The National Day of Prayer is part of America's heritage and belongs to all Americans. It provides an opportunity for citizens to pray voluntarily, according to their own faith — and it does not promote any particular religion or form of religious observance. As a non-profit organization, the National Day of Prayer Task Force has held an event at the Capitol for many years.

"The time of prayer is usually held in a room of the CannonHouseOfficeBuilding that is used by many other organizations for various occasions. A number of public figures have taken part in these gatherings through the years, and it is ridiculous for a small faction of detractors to contend that a group like the National Day of Prayer Task Force cannot invite an individual such as Franklin Graham, who is a well-respected public figure and humanitarian, to participate in such an event. We are grateful that Representative Robert Aderholt and other members of Congress are standing firm on this issue and have stated that the invitation will not be rescinded.

"National Day of Prayer Task Force (NDPTF) Chairman Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson, said, "Suggesting Mr. Graham should be removed from a National Day of Prayer event because of his religious opinions is absurd. No one understands better the need for prayer at this critical juncture in our nation's history." Full Article

Let your light so shine...

Reflecting upon this very special observance, Christians are encouraged to celebrate the National Day of Prayer while upholding their biblical perspectives. We're a resilient and good people who understand that the Lord has already redeemed us for a higher calling. We're holding up His light unto the world.

According to our religious calling, we hold a special mission. We are obliged to preach the gospel to every nation, tribe, language, and people.

As we prepare for the event, many of us have noticed that this year's National Day of Prayer seems to be making a departure from what our forefathers thought important. Many are using the day as an opportunity to stir up needless controversy.

From its inception, our country's history is clear. We began as a Christian nation. Today, most Americans profess to be Christian. People of other faiths are granted freedom of religion because of the brilliance of the American Constitution, with its biblical, Christian premises. And to be perfectly blunt, people of other faiths had nothing to do with the founding of America.

As Christians formed this country, they understood the necessity of upholding the foundation of religious liberty. After all, they themselves were persecuted. In 2010, God-fearing Americans want those of every faith to feel welcome and free to participate in our country's heritage of religious freedom. However, those seeking to demean or diminish our Judeo-Christian faith are causing needless tension. What happened to freedom of speech? — View YouTube: "Franklin Graham: Obama 'Giving Islam a Pass,' Warns of Persecution."

Liberal-minded 'correctness' rules our nation

There is an uneasy and uncomfortable feeling as to why Rev. Franklin Graham was removed from the Pentagon prayer service. The snub appears tactless and disrespectful. Graham has a son serving our country in Afghanistan. Why are we allowing the National Day of Prayer to turn into a day of political and religious "correctness"?

It is most disturbing to see Rev. Graham, this year's honorary chairman, being unnecessarily demonized and maligned. Graham said that no judge can stop Americans from praying for their country, and he expects millions to join him in praying for the president and other elected leaders, as well as "this unjust judge" — that God would give them wisdom.

Many feel this unfortunate issue is political badgering emanating from President Barack Obama, who closed his doors last year and took no part in the National Day of Prayer. His actions caused a great deal of concern. This was the first time that any president has behaved in this fashion. The president set a poor example before the entire country.

It is not surprising that an activist judge felt comfortable condemning a non-binding proclamation that exhorts Americans to pray. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb claimed that the National Day of Prayer proclamation violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. In doing so, she ignored the clear words of the amendment:

"Congress shall make no law respecting [that is, regarding] an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

According to these words, government has no business restricting religious expression — provided that no sect or tradition is favored by law above another. The judge ignored the plain language of the First Amendment, mistakenly assuming that government (that is, the people) cannot publicly display explicit religious commitment.

In light of the First Amendment, it's obvious that Judge Crabb's extreme interpretation has little constitutional validity.

The National Day of Prayer Task Force

In support of the National Day of Prayer, the National Day of Prayer Task Force — a nonprofit Christian organization — encourages participation in this day of fasting and supplication. Below are excerpts from the organization's website, NationalDayofPrayer.org:

Mission

"The National Day of Prayer Task Force's mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family."

Our Vision and Values

"In accordance with biblical truth, the National Day of Prayer Task Force seeks to:

• Foster unity within the Christian Church.
• Protect America's Constitutional Freedoms to gather, worship, pray and speak freely.
• Publicize and preserve America's Christian heritage.
• Encourage and emphasize prayer, regardless of current issues and positions.
• Respect all people, regardless of denomination or creed.
• Be wise stewards of God's resources and provision.
• Glorify the Lord in word and deed."

Who We Are and What We Do

"The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America's leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible."

History of the National Day of Prayer

"Fasting and prayer are religious exercises; the enjoining them an act of discipline. Every religious society has a right to determine for itself the time for these exercises, and the objects proper for them, according to their own particular tenets; and right can never be safer than in their hands, where the Constitution has deposited it." Thomas Jefferson, 1808.

"Because of the faith of many of our founding fathers, public prayer and national days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition. The Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in Marsh vs. Chambers (1983).

"The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations."

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A time for renewal

With everything taking place in our country, Christian clergy would do well to place priority on the need to reclaim our nation with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rev. Billy Graham did so for almost all of his life. Though he is no longer as active as in the past, he does what he can to present the everlasting gospel. Who can ever forget his crusades? They are famous and remembered all over the world. Millions of souls have been won for the Lord because of one man's faithfulness and ministry.

Pastors, preachers, and evangelists, as well as lay people, need to make America their focus and turn it into a mission field of renewal. With fervent prayer, begin to hold revival meetings and regenerate the believers' enthusiasm. Prepare them to walk the road to Emmaus. Do you not understand that the fields are ripe and ready for harvest? There is urgency. "Today is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Indeed, the Great Commission can and should be overflowing with God's anointing. If given a chance, the Holy Spirit could lead many people to renew their own personal lives, and at the very same time, restore their country as well.

There is not one living soul who can take away the joy within the believer's heart. So hold onto that sweet hour of prayer and let it envelop your entire being. Breeze right through the misguided thinking of an activist judge. With righteous boldness, take a lawful stand. Allow God to have His day in court. He will undo this unconstitutional ruling. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

'Adding to the church daily such as should be saved'

Judge Crabb's decision is very unpopular with the American people. Those in political power already know that they have done enough harm to the American psyche. The upcoming elections have consequences. And as for the courts of heaven, well, the battle was won a very long time ago.

The Lord has laid out His promises for the Church. Go forth and claim God's promise, "praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47).

RenewAmerica.com is dedicated to join with those of like-mindedness. There is a clarion call for a spiritual renewal. Never forget that we are still, at heart, a Christian nation. We must grow up in the faith, and become all that God wants us to be. We have a country that is in great peril and needs the Lord's mighty intervention.

Music: YouTube — Instrumental Hymn Sweet Hour of Prayer

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