National Day of Prayer - Thursday, May 7

We are really no different from them.  We are no different from the children of Israel with their backs to the sea and facing certain annihilation at the hand of Egyptian charioteers. Fear grips us. There is no way to avoid devastation. We cry out to God and He replies, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-18)

 

We are no different from God’s people who had rediscovered the Word of God and experienced the weight of guilt. We mourn the years our nation has lost to hate, anger, and disobedience. We cry out to God in grief over how things could have been and He says, “Be still and understand my boundless grace.” (Nehemiah 8:9-12)

 

We are no different from the song writer who sees evil advancing and righteousness melting away. Anger overwhelms us. The headlines paint a picture that says drugs, and terror, and murder, and corruption are invincible. We cry out to God and He says, “Be still and wait patiently for me. Know that I am God, and I will be exalted.” (Psalm 37:7 and 46:10)

 

We are no different from those who felt like God had abandoned them. We wonder if God cares about what’s happening in our lives and our community. We wonder if He thinks about us at all, or if He even exists. We cry out, hoping He is there and that He hears us. And He answers, “Be still. I am coming, and I will live among you.” (Zechariah 2:10-13)

 

We are no different from those having a mountain top experience with Jesus. We want to camp out and build permanent ecstasy into our lives. We want to avoid the pain in the valleys of life. We try to ignore the call to sacrifice our plans and desires so that others can find new life. We cry out to God and He gently answers “Be still. This is my Son. Listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:1-5)

 

From the founding of this nation, our leaders, both political and spiritual, have called us to a time of prayer.  Sometimes a call to humiliation and repentance. Other times a call to prayer and thanksgiving. John Hancock, Samuel Adams, James Madison, John Adams, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and even the Continental Congress all called for days of prayer.

 

The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans and is not sponsored by any one group. Every American, regardless of religion, is encouraged to celebrate his or her faith through prayer. On Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.Christians from all denominations are encouraged to gather at First Baptist Family Life Center in New Castle for a time of prayer and worship. 

 

We are really no different from people of faith through history. We cry out to God on behalf of our families, our schools, our communities, our neighbors, our state, and our nation. And God will answer, “Be still … hear what I am saying.”