By Jeanni Ritchie
The first call to prayer was in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation.
On the precipice of the sestercentennial, or quarter millennial, of our nation it is important to remember the faith on which we were founded.
“It can be tempting to believe that America has reached a point of no return. While these factors cause despair, we are reminded in Scripture that with God, nothing is impossible. Pray that as a nation we would return to God,” Franklin Graham shares on the official National Day of Prayer website. www.nationaldayofprayer.org
First officially recognized by President Truman in 1952, President Reagan moved the National Day of Prayer to the first Thursday in May during his presidency.
The 73rd annual #nationaldayofprayer will be this Thursday, May 2nd. The theme for 2024 is Lift Up the Word, Light Up the World. (2 Samuel 22:29-31)
Opportunities for involvement locally:
Philadelphia Baptist Church (Alexandria campus), 2022 Horseshoe Dr, Alexandria Prayer Breakfast 6-7 AM Philadelphia Baptist Church
Calvary Baptist Church, 5011 Jackson St. Alexandria, from 7 AM- 7 PM in the Student Auditorium. https://www.
Ball Community Center, 100 Municipal Lane, Ball, from 11:30-1 PM.
Pineville City Hall steps, 910 Main St. Pineville, from 12-12:20 PM.
Philadelphia Baptist Church (Deville campus), 722 Philadelphia Rd Deville, Prayer and Worship service from 6:30-8 PM.
If you can’t participate locally, there are still plenty of opportunities to join in. Text 2024States to 833-259-8648 to receive weekly reminders to pray for a different state as we cover the nation in prayer.
Join the national broadcast at 7 PM (CST) Thursday, May 2. Check your local listings or stream at www.god.tv or www.daystar.
Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20
Imagine what can happen when an entire country unites in prayer!
Jeanni Ritchie is a mental health and faith journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at 318-619-0445.