For many persons, prayer is an integral part of daily life.  Prayer offers a rich connection to our spiritual lives, nurturing our relationships and faith.  It also provides love and comfort in times of crisis or need.

The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday in May.  This day’s observance asks persons to “turn to God in prayers and meditations.”  In the early 1950s, an evangelical movement called for Congress and the President to proclaim a National Day of Prayer.  

“The movement grew and a young leader, evangelist Billy Graham led services for approximately 20,000 persons(sic)on the Capitol’s steps in Washington, D. C. on February 4, 1952.  Later, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed this day to be observed on July 4, 1952.  President Ronald Reagan moved the observance to the first Thursday in May, where it has remained.  Persons of various faiths join together in prayer on this special day.”

As a nation, presidents and government officials have called for a “national days of prayer or thanks” intermittently since before the country’s existence.

·         On July 20, 1775 – The Continental Congress issued a proclamation recommending “a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer “to be observed.”

·         In 1795 – George Washington proclaimed a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.

·         May 9, 1798 – John Adams declared this day as “a day of solemn humility, fasting and prayer.

·         March, 1868 – On March 3, Abraham Lincoln signed a Congressional resolution, during the Civil War, which called for April 30, 1863 as a day of fasting and prayers.  The end of the Civil War was on April 9, 1865.

Local pastors and churches would like to invite you to join with them, others from your community, and people from across our nation, as they plead for God’s mercy and guidance in our country. Smithville will have a gathering on May 2, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Northside Elementary School gymnasium.