National Day of Prayer is a time for people of all faiths to pray together in their own way. More than 35,000 prayer gatherings will be happening across the United States today and will include several million people.
National Day of Prayer was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1952 to ask people of the country to turn to God in prayer and meditation. A committee and task force was formed in 1972 and was tasked with coordinating events for the day. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan amended the law and designated the first Thursday of May of each year as the National Day of Prayer.
We think it is especially important to pray for our country today and for the people who are struggling and persevering through the difficult circumstances that we are all facing right now. We’d like to remind you that you are not alone and that you are loved by so many people. We hope you find peace in that and encourage you to shine light where there is darkness as you never know who may need it.
Our residents and associates all joined in prayer today at 2:00 p.m. CST with the below message shared with us by our Lifestyles Director at The Brennity at Tradition, Karey Graham. We encourage you to share this prayer with your loved ones in whichever manner you wish.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to you at a confusing, frustrating and exhausting time. Our hearts are broken for the lives lost, families separated and financial struggles that have robbed many people’s security and ability to provide for themselves and their families.
So many are facing things they never thought were possible: missed weddings, no chances to grieve at a funeral, babies being born in isolation, birthdays that are a little lonelier and sickness that seems all around us.
We know from Proverbs 3:5 to Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, in all ways submit to him and he will make our paths straight.
We humbly ask for you to grow that trust in us – to allow us to live here in the moment, feel the emotions go through us, and let every negative thought, fear and worry pass on from us. Fill us with hope, trust and peace. Turn our thoughts and eyes to those around us that are the helpers – the ones who are shining their light through darkness.
We ask for you to bless our country and people with too many blessings to count. Bless our government leaders with knowledge and great discernment.
We ask you to bless our business with helpers and opportunities to keep their industries going, to keep their employees safe and their customers secure.
Please bless our medical researchers to find a treatment, a cure and to ease their exhaustion. Give them the tools they need to change this situation.
Bless our doctors, nurses and everyone in healthcare with stamina and compassion. Keep them safe so they can heal people and return to their families.
We ask you to bless the parents at home with their children – becoming their new teacher, parent and entertainment. Give them patience, lots of patience, to show their love and bring calmness to their household.
Bless our country’s children with love and faith – keep them protected and hopeful about the world they are living in.
Bless those at risk – the essential workers, our older citizens. Ease their fears and give them people to safeguard them. Let them see the world for the beautiful and wonderful place it is despite the numbers and news they see every day.
Bless those that are ill with recovery. Heal them from this and give their families peace when they are not healed. Hold them in your arms when they cannot grieve together.
Fill us with the faith that you are in control and your will be done. We will find comfort in your love and hope in your promises of everlasting life.
In Jesus name, Amen.