By Jason Collum, AFAJ staff writer
March 2003 – In just a few weeks thousands of Americans will be gathering as part of a national movement to pray for the nation.
The 52nd annual National Day of Prayer (NDP) is set for May 1, and the theme for 2003 is “Righteousness Exalts a Nation.”
“Our theme for 2003 is … based on Proverbs 14:34, ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people,’” said Shirley Dobson, NDP Task Force chairman, in a letter to supporters. “We believe this verse contains an important exhortation for the citizens of this country, especially in light of recent events. The spiritual awakening evident after 9-11 has faded as most Americans have reverted to ‘business as usual.’ Troubling accounts of corporate corruption, violent disregard for human life, and legislative compromise have regularly surfaced.
“And on the home front, traditional marriage and family values have been increasingly under fire. To counter these distressing trends, our goal is tflo spread the redemptive message that, as a nation and as individuals, it is time to turn from wrongdoing and pursue the things of God,” she said.
The events of September 11 still weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of many Americans during last year’s event, and no doubt increased attendance. Task Force planners remain hopeful, though, that this year’s event will be even more successful. The event has grown considerably over the last few years.
“Because there are so many events and because our efforts are primarily a grass-roots movement, there’s no way of knowing exactly how many people participate,” said NDPTF Media & Marketing Coordinator Mark Fried. “But, based on the numbers that we receive each year, we are confident in saying that millions of Americans participate in the National Day of Prayer each year.
“The goal of our ministry is that the Church comes out from behind its walls to be a light in the community, churches unite as one body and that NDP events point people to a relationship with God through prayer in Christ,” Fried added.
One example of the approximately 40,000 events held around the country in 2002 comes from Chattanooga, Tennessee, where almost 20,000 filled Finley Stadium on the National Day of Prayer. An anonymous donor provided the funds to organize and promote the event, and 200 churches put aside their denominational differences to meet on the common ground of prayer.
Meet at City Hall
Coinciding with the National Day of Prayer is the AFA-sponsored Meet at City Hall. Thousands of people nationwide will mark their NDP activities by gathering in front of their local city hall and praying for the United States, its people and its leaders, from 12:20 to 12:40 p.m.
For more information on Meet at City Hall, write Meet at City Hall, P. O. Drawer 2440, Tupelo, MS 38803, or visit www.afa.net. 
To participate
For more information on how to participate in the National Day of Prayer, call (719) 531-3379, or visit them online at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
