The first Thursday of May is annually observed as a National Day of Prayer. City and
The worldwide health and economic crisis was all the more reason for some to spend this time in prayer.
Sebastian County participants, who historically has gathered at the courthouse, went live and broadcasted their program. City and county leaders, local pastors and worship leaders took part online. Hundreds watched and participated in the Facebook live event. Sebastian County Judge David Hudson led with a time of scripture reading, and prayer. Scott Bartholomew, worship director at Grand Avenue Baptist Church, performed. Others like Pastor Kevin Thompson with Community Bible Church, Sebastian County Circuit Judge Stephen Tabor, and Prosecutor Daniel Shue all participated in the online event.
The City of Mansfield held their annual event at the traditional meeting place, the gazebo. Local pastors, city leaders, and several in the community turned out to participate in the time of prayer. Some wore masks, and social distancing was observed.
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.
This year’s scripture and focus of prayer was on Habakkuk 2:14, “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth.”
This year’s National Day of Prayer took on new meaning with the pandemic that has swept the world. If Elijah can pray that it would not rain for three years, we can pray to strengthen our world leaders (James 5:16-18). We can pray to end this pandemic. We can pray to end fear. We can pray our world leaders would be given wisdom, protection, and effective leadership during this time.
