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May 01, 2008
May 1st National Day of Prayer
About the National Day of Prayer:
Recognizing that prayer has been and continues to be an integral part of our nation's history, Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952. This observance is currently held on the first Thursday each May, when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publicly to worship and pray for our land.
This is a critical time to be in prayer for our country.
Tens of thousands of prayer events are planned across the country on Thursday May 1, 2008 in recognition of the 57th Annual National Day of Prayer. In churches, parks and on courthouse steps, citizens will pray for our nation; government leaders, media, military, schools, churches, businesses and families.
This year's theme of the Natioinal Day of Prayer, "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield," is based on Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped."
New events are being added every day and can be found at www.nationaldayofprayer.org. To highlight a few:
• Chapel Hill, N.C.: While the campus is still reeling from the murder of their student-body president, UNC will host a student-led community event on May 1.
• Prayer Flight: Private pilots from around the country are banding together to fly over and pray for all 50 state capitols.
• A first-time event held in Shanksville, Penn. at the 9/11 crash site of United Flight 93.
• Friday, May 2nd, from 9:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M.
Prayer at:
The White House
The Supreme Court
U. S. Capitol Building
Lincoln Memorial
Fort Myers, FL, 6/2002
"It is a spiritual enemy we have to contend with. Now is the time to fight. We've got to defeat them on our knees. Pray for our leaders. Pray for our nation. God is alive. God is real. God will answer the prayers of those who humble themselves before Him.
"Bin Laden is not the enemy. No mortal is the enemy. It's the enemy you can't see. It's a war against the forces of darkness. The battle won't be won with guns. It will be won on our knees. Don't let go of this country. Stay on your knees and don't ever give up."
— Major General William G. Boykin, commanding general of the U.S. Army's John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in Fort Bragg, N.C., including Special Forces and Delta Force.
Talking about his darkest hour, Boykin asked God to protect his men when he sent them into Somalia during a 1993 covert operation, which resulted in a firefight that claimed 18 Army Rangers and was portrayed in Black Hawk Down.
"My heart was broken," said Boykin, noting that he went to his bunk where he cried for his men and was angry with God. "I said there is no God. If there was a God, He would've been here to protect my soldiers." Then, Boykin said he heard God's voice saying: "If there is no God, there is no hope." Boykin described his change of heart after that.
Before every mission, Boykin, who recommitted his life to Christ following the tragic 1993 events in Somalia and portrayed in "Black Hawk Down," said he prays with his men.
"I always pray for God's blessing on these warriors, for His protective hand around them. Then we sing God Bless America. God has been faithful and has held us in His hands." Source: Boykin at Fort Myers, FL, Community Prayer breakfast.
Posted by Wild Thing at May 1, 2008 02:47 AM
Comments
Yes, pray. Pray for those who are down trodden, those who serve us so our lives can be as normal as possible, those who protect us, our leaders, our enemies, our friends and family.
And no one is saying you can't pray in your own special way. I don't know why they think that a prayer is so bad. I pray--before a job interview, before a test, before going to see the doctor, etc.
There is NOTHING wrong with a little talk with your God. Isn't he your Father anyway?
Posted by: Lynn at May 1, 2008 05:30 AM
The National Day of Prayer was mandated by Congress in 1952. That was the era of the heighth of the greatness of America. In those days Americans were optimistic and morality was honored, not scoffed at and degraded. Today's Congress would never pass a Day of Prayer.
Major General Boykin is one tough soldier. His dealings with religious beliefs mirror mine. I was angry at God, then events including 9/11 changed my mind. I pray everyday now for America, our troops, my friends and for good on Earth.
Posted by: TomR at May 1, 2008 11:38 AM
Thanks WT, it's wonderful that his day coincides with the communist holiday, May 1. Up theirs!!!
Posted by: Jack at May 1, 2008 02:06 PM
Lynn yes He is and I agree there is nothing wrong with prayer.
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 1, 2008 06:51 PM
Tom he sure is, it gave me goosebumps to read this above about him. My heart went out to him and the men that died.
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 1, 2008 06:53 PM
Jack, I agree..... Up Theirs!
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 1, 2008 06:54 PM
Ephesians 6:11 - 20 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes... Take the helmet of salvation and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..." Our nation WT was founded by Divine Providence 401 years ago yesterday in Jamestown, Virginia!
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at May 2, 2008 12:15 AM
Darth, big ole smile, thanks so much.
Posted by: Wild Thing at May 2, 2008 03:17 AM
