From Pastor Bill Ruhl, Vice Chairman of FGGAM:
National Day of Prayer is just that, a day set aside to specifically focus on prayer. It is a call to everyone, no matter where they are during that day, to set aside a time of prayer; to intercede on behalf of this nation before God.
Scripture encourages us in 2 Chronicles 7:14-17, that when we prepare a place to commune (pray) with God, He will respond to our prayers: “and (if) My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer offered in this place. For now I have chosen and sanctified and set apart for My purpose this house that My Name may be here forever, and My eyes and My heart will be here perpetually.”
God has called us to prepare and set aside a place for Him to commune with His people. The attraction is just that, the opportunity to commune with God. He already knows the concerns of our hearts (Psalm 139), yet He still desires to spend intimate time with us in conversation, like a “Good Father” loves to listen to His children.
Set aside some time this Thursday, May 2, 2024, to let God hear about what’s on your heart.
National Day of Prayer is not about numbers, how big a crowd you can gather, or finding some fresh, new way to attract people to participate in prayer. No, it’s about being committed as an individual to pray with others as a nation (“My people”); whenever and wherever you happen to be throughout the day.
Wake up – pray! At work – take a break and pray! Lunch break – pray! Driving home – pray! Home for the evening – join others and pray!
Scripture states (Matthew 18:20) that when two or three are gathered in His name, Jesus will be there in the midst of them. As the influences of this world continue to negatively influence our culture, will the community of faith focus on what pleases God or what attracts the world?
In the world “Christmas is about Santa Claus and receiving gifts instead of rejoicing over the birth of Jesus, the greatest gift ever given!”
In the world “Resurrection Day has become a day of Easter egg hunts, baskets, and candy instead of a day to celebrate that the tomb is empty and Christ has risen in victory over death!”
In the world will “prayer become an event centered activity for a family outing instead of a day dedicated to commune with God in a gathering of ‘If My People?’”
Jesus knows our frailties. He even asked His disciples (Matthew 26:39-40) “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
What is the focus of prayer? It’s “Thy Kingdom Come and Thy Will Be Done, here on earth as it is in Heaven!” It should be time spent in the presence of God (Matthew 6:9-13), where we are seated with Jesus (Ephesians 2:6-7), under the divine direction of Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-28).
Today and every day, let us come together to worship and pray!
Thursday, May 2, is National Day of Prayer: “Lift Up the Word, Light Up the World”
