[ampaterry]

Today is the National Day of Prayer here in the US.

A day set aside for prayer as a nation was first called for by the Continental Congress in 1775.

John Adams called for one on May 9th, 1798.

Lincoln called for one on April 30th, 1863, at which time he said "...it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord."

On April 17, 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer must be declared by each following president at an appropriate date of his choice.

In his 1983 declaration, Ronald Reagan said, "From General Washington's struggle at Valley Forge to the present, this Nation has fervently sought and received divine guidance as it pursued the course of history. This occasion provides our Nation with an opportunity to further recognize the source of our blessings, and to seek His help for the challenges we face today and in the future."

In 1988, the law was amended so that the National Day of Prayer would be held on the first Thursday of May.

Presidents Reagan, George H. W and George W. Bush all hosted special events at the white house on the national day of prayer. President Clinton did not held any such events, and thus far neither has President Obama. Both presidents did, however, issue the annual proclamation of this day, as required by the law which was passed in 1952.

We should pray often:
1 Chronicles 16:11 (KJV);
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

But it is good for us, as a nation, to have one special day on which we can all join together and seek the blessings of God on our nation, and the influence and directing of God for our leaders.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV);
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

May God bless each one of you, and may He bless the country we live in - wherever in the world we are living.