A History of Prayer

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 12, 2008 Biblical Values •

I love history. In school, I always aced history and English. It’s no wonder I still love to read stories and articles on historical events—from yesterday, last year, and even 2,000 years ago. Everyone and everything has a story and history to tell.

Just the other day, I read how the National Day of Prayer first began, and how and why the tradition was continued throughout history. Days of prayer were declared by:

• President George Washington after the Whiskey Rebellion. • President John Adams when France threatened to make war with America. • President Madison during the War of 1812. • President Tyler when President Harrison died. • President Taylor during a cholera epidemic. • President Buchanan to avert civil strife. • President Lincoln during the Civil War. • President Andrew Johnson when President Lincoln was shot. • President Wilson during World War I.

Finally, in 1952, President Truman made the National Day of Prayer an annual event, saying: “In times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace…we stand in special need of Divine support.”

And President Ronald Reagan declared the National Day of Prayer to take place each year on the first Thursday in May.

Praise God that our country has not thrown this sacred national holiday out of the books like we have so many other holy things. In light of how important this event is, we must also realize the importance of daily prayer for our country, its leaders, our government, schools, media, and other influential figures.

You’ve probably heard this Scripture used over and over again, but it’s good to know that God’s Word is unchanging and His promises are true. The Bible says, “My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, HCSB).

Do you believe God will do what He says if we obey His commands? Do you make time each day to pray for our government, our troops serving overseas, our President, and other political leaders? Are you praying every day for the Presidential candidates campaigning across the U.S.?

As believers and Americans, it is our responsibility to be faithful in praying for our country—not just in times of crisis, but always.

Source of historical facts: American Minute with Bill Federer (www.amerisearch.net)

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