Day of Prayer

According to Newsweek’s article, no one is happy therefore it must be a good compromise.

On the one hand, Shirley Dobson, as National Day of Prayer Task Force chair indicated disappointment “in the lack of participation by the Obama Administration … we would hope our President would recognize more fully the importance of prayer.”

From the other side of the coin, “ … Freedom From Religion Foundation Co-Director Annie Laurie Gaylor welcomed Obama's more subdued observance but said she has been shocked by his administration's strong defense of the day in court.”

Frankly, I find the lack of interest by Americans in this National Day of Prayer to speak loudly of their lack of interest in prayer in general. Opponents are expected to use all tools at their disposal. The majority of Americans appear not to be using prayer as a means of change and are depending on their government to do so.

Elijah was not afraid to call upon the name of his God in front of others – and dared his opponents to do the same:

And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken. (1 Kings 18:24 KJV)

The challenge was accepted:

And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. (1 Kings 18:26 KJV)

And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. (1 Kings 18:36-37 KJV)

Is that what we pray? Let it be known this day that thou art God ... and that I am thy servant

Are we His servants? Do we wish that this people may know that thou art the LORD God?

During this day of prayer, didl my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways?

So that God may keep His promise: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)

That does not require a proclamation from the president, nor an act of Congress – just the decision within the hearts of each of us.

I pray that you used yesterday’s National Day of Prayer to speak to God.