Teddy James
AFA Journal staff writer
May 2010 – In 1775, the Founding Fathers knew the task before them was bigger than mere mortals could handle. For that reason, the Continental Congress asked all 13 colonies to join together for prayer. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln made a proclamation for a day of “humiliation, fasting and prayer.” Finally, President Harry S. Truman signed a resolution passed by Congress in 1952 declaring an annual National Day of Prayer.
That law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the first Thursday of every May as the National Day of Prayer. In 2009, all 50 state governors and the governors of many U.S. territories signed similar proclamations. Throughout the nation’s history, prayer has been a refuge in times of great stress and uncertainty.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force serves as a central organizer for prayer events. This year the NDPTF has scheduled events based on the theme “Prayer: For such a time as this.” The key Scripture is Nahum 1:7, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”
In 2 Kings 22-23, a young King Josiah took a nation that had forgotten the God who formed it. He desired to bring His people back to Him. It was a top-down transformation. The NDPTF yearns to bring this nation back to God from the bottom up.
The most visible event is the May 6 prayer gathering in Washington, D.C. However, the task force encourages church congregations to participate on Sunday, May 2. It is estimated that 40 million Christians will gather in churches to do so. The task force asks that specific prayers be made for seven centers of power in America: government, military, media, business, education, church and family.
Mrs. Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson and NDP chairman, said, “We have lost many of our freedoms in America because we have been asleep. I feel if we do not become involved and support the annual National Day of Prayer, we could end up forfeiting this freedom, too.”
Franklin Graham is helping with this year’s NDP. He said, “Christ’s followers are instructed to pray. First, we should consider where we stand before the Lord so our prayers will not be hindered. We should praise Him for who He is, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. The Lord’s heart is delighted to hear the praise of His people. Another important element of prayer is repentance. If we as His people do not repent of our own disobedience, if we as the collective body of Christ do not repent of rebellion against His commands, how can we expect America, a country founded on His principles and truths, to keep its heart focused on him?” 
Meet at City Hall
AFA initiated Meet at City Hall in 1991 as a model for any individual or local group in any area of the country to participate in NDP. It’s as simple as meeting with a group of friends in front of your local city hall.
To organize your own MACH, the first step is to pray. Then, if you plan for the event to include many people, get a permit. Select a time, perhaps 20 minutes during lunch, and let people know. You can let them know through public announcements on radio, Internet, television or newspaper. Remember that the best form of advertisement is word of mouth, so make sure your friends are talking about it.
Talk to local pastors in the area. Get them to announce the event to their churches or help you organize. You might include a brief devotion or Scripture on prayer, have a vocalist sing one song – or you may just pray.
Even if you are alone, standing in front of your city hall, your prayer is still heard and has impact. If NDP May 6 can’t work, use an alternate day that week.
James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
“Whether in a pew or on the steps of city hall, led by a preacher or a group of coworkers, with two friends or two hundred people, the importance of this day must not be dismissed,” said AFA president Tim Wildmon. “America is a nation built upon principles established by God. America, like Israel, has walked away. Our nation will never return to its righteous path unless God’s people hit their knees and pray.”
