The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

The National Day of Prayer stands as a call for us to humbly come before God, seeking His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as a people.

Our local National Day of Prayer observance will be held this Thursday, May 4th at the Chester County Courthouse lawn from Noon till 1 pm.  If you won’t be near Henderson Thursday you can find other National Day of Prayer locations here.

If it isn’t possible for you to make it to one of the assemblies, you can still pray for America. There are endless ways to pray–so ask the Spirit to reveal to you personally how you should pray. Also consider praying for America in these ways as suggested by Dr. Ronnie Floyd:

• Confess and repent of the sins of America
• Unity in America
• President Donald Trump
• Vice-President Mike Pence
• Protection and provision for the families of President Trump and Vice-President Pence
• Cabinet of the President
• Congressional members
• Military personnel
• Law enforcement and all first responders
• State/local political leaders
• Churches and their pastors
• Schools and their leaders
• Spiritual revival in the Church
• Spiritual awakening in America
• Acceleration and completion of the Great Commission of Jesus Christ

These are simply suggestions for ways to pray.  Create your own list and pray for our nation–and if possible, join us for the National Day of Prayer gathering at the Chester County Courthouse Thursday at noon.

Spiritual awakening can start anywhere, anytime, with anyone.  Why not let it begin in Tennessee and in you?  Franklin Graham and the Decision America tour is coming to Jackson, TN at the Fairgrounds Park on Friday, May 19th at 7:30 pm.

Pack chairs and blankets and join Franklin Graham as he shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Featuring Jeremy Camp, special guests, fireworks, and more.

I would like to ask you for three things:

1. Pray.

Pray passionately for Christ-centered revival in Tennessee and across the nation–and pray for Christians to live out Biblical principles and stand boldly for God’s truth.  Pray specifically for unsaved family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

2. Invite.

Invite your friends and loved ones who are far from God to the event and encourage each other in our church family to do the same.

3. Attend.

Attend the tour in Jackson with our church family and bring those you’ve invited who need to hear the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Whether it is the National Day of Prayer or the Decision America tour…the great need and call of our day is prayer!

Now is the time to lead and pray for America,

Pastor Marcus D. Kelley