The National Day of Prayer invites people of all faiths to pray for America on the first Thursday of each May. Although President Harry S. Truman signed a joint resolution of the United States Congress reserving this annual date in 1952, public prayer and national days of prayer were not new. In 1775, the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation and to establish America’s peace and freedom upon a solid and lasting foundation. And in four consecutive centuries, Presidents have declared national days of prayer for various reasons:
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- Expressing gratitude to “Almighty God in peaceably allowing a form of government for the safety and happiness of the people.” George Washington (October 3, 1789)
- Encouraging humility before God and seeking His Divine mercy during a cholera epidemic. Zachary Taylor (July 3, 1849)
- Acknowledging “our dependence on Almighty God and to implore His aid and protection” during World War I.Woodrow Wilson (May 11, 1918)
- Honoring the memory of the September 11, 2001 victims and comforting those who lost loved ones. George W. Bush (September 14, 2001)
- Rededicating ourselves to extending religious freedom to all people. Barak Obama (May 5, 2016)
Thankfully prayers are not limited to national days. People pray every day of the year and people with dwarfism are no exception. Although we pray about the same concerns as all humanity, we have more than our share of medical requests.
In a private Facebook group to which I belong, many seek and appreciate prayers. An inclusive request invites positive thoughts from those who do not pray.
The requests range from looking for a diagnosis or a qualified physician with dwarfism experience, a helpful doctor’s appointment, successful surgeries, good physical therapy results, to pain management. Some pray for a first time surgery and others that a surgery will be the last in a long succession. Prayer for unbearable, chronic pain which reduces quality of life to nothing is common.
Group members commit to pray, share good thoughts, and send get well wishes with a generous dose of emojis. Prayers are offered for surgeries with excellent results, quick recoveries, healing, daytime pain reduction, pain free nights, sleep, peace, courage, and perseverance.
Along with the prayers comes love, hugs, encouragement, advice and comfort from those with similar experiences. It helps to know we are not alone. We accept advice from someone who feels our pain, concedes that the road is tough, encourages us to set little goals at first, reminds us to take one day a time, and confidently asserts “you’ll get there!”
“God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (New Living Translation).
4 replies on “America’s Heritage of Prayer Continues”
Angela, thanks for another great post, and your comments on the power of prayer. Friends on the mission field often say that our prayers are what they most desire.
It’s humbling that our Heavenly Father, the Maker of heaven and earth, longs for us to bring our prayers of praise and petition to Him.
Thank you for your post. Knowing someone is lifting us in prayer is one of the most loving and meaningful gifts we can receive. Praying God continues to bless and keep you as you share, pray and minister to others. You are loved!
Thank you Stephanie.