BROKEN BOW–Since 1952 a National Day of Prayer (NDP) has been observed in the United States which invites people of all faiths and beliefs to come together and pray for our nation. The annual observance is now held on the first Thursday of May each year and is based on an understanding that America was “birthed in prayer in reverence for the God of the Bible,” as stated on the National Day of Prayer website.
Broken Bow will be observing NDP on Thursday, May 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the Broken Bow city square. In case of bad weather, the prayer time will move to the First Church of God at 1105 South E Street, two blocks west of the square.
Pastor Cathy Saner of the First Church of God said the community is encouraged to focus their prayers on seven centers of influence including federal, state, and local government, the military, media and the arts, businesses, education, church, and family.
“Each church has maybe a different way of doing something but in the long run we are all serving Jesus Christ and to stand together and pray for our nation as one is awesome,” Pastor Saner said.
Saner said this year’s NDP emphasis is to prayer for America—the church, families, work places, communities, cities, and all ethnicities—to unite and love one another.
In a brief history on the website for the National Day of Prayer, it is stated that every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.
1775 – The first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer
1863 – Abraham Lincoln called for such a day
1952 – Congress established NDP as an annual event by a joint resolution, signed into law by President Truman
1988 – The law was amended and signed by President Reagan, designating the NDP as the first Thursday in May
