Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer. This holiday started in the 1950’s and is labeled as a day when Congress asks people “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” However, it goes back earlier than that. On March 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed a Congressional resolution, during the Civil War, which called for April 30, 1863, to be a day of fasting and prayer. However, it goes back earlier than that. On July 20, 1775, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation recommending “a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer” be observed.
However, it goes back earlier than that. Somewhere around 1,000 B.C., Solomon finished building the temple and had a dedication where he made tens of thousands of sacrifices (2 Chron 7). Then what follows is a section of scripture that is titled in my Bible as, “If My People Pray” (2 Chron 7:11-22). In verse 14, God says “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
God has always desired for us to turn to Him in prayer. It’s great that we have a holiday to recognize the power of prayer, but for us, everyday should be a day of prayer. Tomorrow, be sure to post about the holiday and encourage your friends and coworkers to engage in prayer. But for us, let’s start praying today.