Call To Prayer

The first Thursday of May is recognized as the National Day of Prayer. In 1775, the first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer, asking the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation. President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation designating April 30, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. In his proclamation, Lincoln wrote, “It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” In 1952, the National Day of Prayer was created by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. I am thankful for each citizen across our nation who took time on this day of prayer to pray for our nation and leaders. 

Recently while reading through the Psalms I read David’s words, recorded in Psalm 11:3, “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” As I look at our nation today it is clear that the foundations of our nation are being destroyed. For example, our religious liberties are under attack. Tolerance is the buzzword of our day; however, many are intolerant of Christianity. Christians are accused of imposing our views on others; however, those who make this accusation are themselves imposing their own views—views that are contrary to God’s Word. Morality is at an all-time low. In fact, many people are substituting feelings for Judeo-Christian, God-based standards. Many people today no longer ask if an action is right or wrong because to them moral choices are simply a matter of individual taste. In addition, our nation’s debt crisis, the debate over the definition of marriage, and the growing entitlement mentality are signs that our nation’s foundations are being destroyed.

When we see our nation’s foundations being destroyed what can we do? Like David, we can trust God. In Psalm 11:1, David writes, “In the Lord I take refuge.” God is completely trustworthy. As in David’s day, God’s throne is in heaven (Ps. 11:4). God is still sovereign. He reigns over all things, all people, all leaders, and all nations. As sovereign King He is very much in control. Trust God!

Like David, we can also turn to God. David writes, “The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man” (Ps. 11:4). David looked around and saw the challenging times but then he looked above to God. He knew that God sees all and therefore knows all. God sees and knows what is happening in our nation as well. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul instructs Christians to turn to God by making “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings…for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Our neighbors need our prayers. Our co-workers need our prayers. Our leaders need our prayers. Turn to God in prayer!

There is something we can do as we look around and see the foundations of our nation being destroyed—we can trust God and turn to Him in prayer. As President Lincoln encouraged the citizens of his day, may we all humble ourselves before God, confess our national (and personal) sins, and pray for clemency (or mercy) and forgiveness.