Randall Murphree

AFA Journal editor

May 2008 – We said it last month, but it’s worth repeating. We want to urge our readers to participate in some event on National Day of Prayer, May 1. Both National Day of Prayer Task Force and AFA’s own 17th annual Meet at City Hall offer a variety of meetings for us to join others in praying for our nation.

Meet at City Hall is a simple event that requires little advance planning. Just seek permission from your city hall or courthouse to gather with friends on the sidewalk, in a nearby park or other public venue to pray for 20 minutes – from 12:20-12:40 p.m. There need not necessarily be any planned program other than prayer.

If you cannot locate an organized event in your area, meet a friend or two near your city hall or courthouse – even if you have to sit in your car on the street – and pray for your county, state and national public officials. If there’s no one to join you, God will still listen to your prayers. Remember that the focus here is not to make an issue of praying in the public arena, but to actually pray without fanfare or confrontation.

“Throughout Scripture, we see that God answers prayer, and He cares about the health of nations,” said Brian Toon, National Day of Prayer vice chairman. This year’s theme is “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield.” Toon said we must repent for the personal and corporate sins that grieve God, ask Him to raise up righteous leaders and submit to His sovereignty.

National Day of Prayer Task Force is calling America to be praying now for this year’s critical elections – especially presidential primaries, caucuses and the November general election. Dr. Ravi Zacharias, honorary chairman of this year’s campaign, offers this prayer for our nation:

2008 Prayer for Our Nation
by Dr. Ravi Zacharias

Holy Father, in a world where so many are hungry, You have given us food in abundance; In a world where so many are hurting, You offer to bind up our wounds; In a world where so many are lonely, You offer friendship to every heart; In a world longing for peace, You offer hope. Yet, we are so stubborn and resistant. Have mercy upon us, Lord. Our nation is at a crossroads this year; we look to you to be our strength and shield. Please give us the guidance to elect one who will honor you and to respond to the wisdom from above so that our hope may be renewed and our blessings be treasured. In God’s holy name.  

Thursday, May 1, is National Day of Prayer
Make plans to participate in National Day of Prayer, May 1. For information and resources:

• Meet at City Hall
AFA’s 17th annual event in which people meet at their local city hall or another public venue during lunchtime to pray 20 minutes for our nation

• National Day of Prayer 
More prayer events and ideas for prayer focus on NDP