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This Thursday marks the 57th annual National Day of Prayer. Events will take place across the nation to unite individuals in prayer for America. This year's theme is "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield."
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It exists to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America's leaders and families.
National Day of Prayer Task Force officials announced this week that the governors of all 50 states and the Virgin Islands have signed proclamations for the Day of Prayer. According to Michael Calhoun, National Day of Prayer (NDP) manager of strategic partnerships, this is noteworthy because it is optional for governors to sign a proclamation.
“Since the days of our nation’s founding, public prayer has been an essential part of our heritage,” he said. “It is very significant that the governors in all 50 states have signed proclamations — it lawfully cherishes and respects the religious heritage of this great country and encourages all Americans to invoke God’s protection and guidance over our nation.”
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, urged Christians to participate in the National Day of Prayer, and to include the unborn in their prayers.
"On this National Day of Prayer, we turn to God in Jesus' Name, and His blessing on our nation, our leaders, and our fellow citizens. Moreover, we pray for an end to the most pervasive form of violence, that which occurs against children in the womb."
Fr. Pavone praised Shirley Dobson and her entire team for the work they put into this annual effort. "It is an inspiration to see all that the Dobsons have done for our nation and for the Body of Christ."
But there are also voices of criticism regarding this national prayer event. The Church Report points out that the coordinators of the National Day of Prayer are being criticized for how the event is being organized. According to www.theCRonline.com, Jews on First and the Council on American Islamic Relations accuse the National Day of Prayer Task Force of turning the day into an evangelical event that excludes others. The Jewish and Muslim groups are calling for alternative gatherings that are more inclusive.
Meanwhile, conservative Christian hosts on the VCY America Radio Network are criticizing the honorary chairman of this year's National Day of Prayer, Doctor Ravi Zacharias, for posting an official prayer that concludes "in God's holy name" instead of "in Jesus' name." They call that a "betrayal" that suggests that the event's organizers are "ashamed of Jesus."
Leaders of the National Day of Prayer Task Force have responded that others are free to organize prayer events that fit their own religious perspectives.
To learn more about the National Day of Prayer, or to find a prayer event in your area, visit www.ndptf.org.
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