On Thursday, May 1, people across America will celebrate the National Day of Prayer. In this annual event, set aside by the U.S. Congress, Americans across the nation unify in prayer and fasting for President Bush, our national, state and local leaders and our nation.


The annual tradition follows in the legacy of national prayer and thanksgiving that can be traced back to our Founders. While the left chooses to ignore and discount our Founding Fathers' recurrent dependence on prayer and heavenly intercession, the fact is America has a glorious history of godly pursuits.


We honor that tradition through the National Day of Prayer. This year's theme is "Righteousness Exalts A Nation." Our theme verse is: "Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).


This year's event will culminate with the nationally-broadcast Concert of Prayer (8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., ET). The site of origin for this special event is the Liberty University Vines Center, in Lynchburg, Va., with other remote sites - including Detroit, Washington, D.C., College Station, Texas (on the campus of Texas A&M University) and Johannesburg, South Africa - participating.


During the Concert of Prayer, we will honor this nation that I believe is truly a gift from God. In addition, Dr. James Dobson, Mrs. Shirley Dobson (chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force), Joni Eareckson-Tada and many other special guests will participate in this event that promises to be an amazing evening of music, oration and prayer.


Earlier in the day, Mrs. Dobson will host a prayer meeting in the Cannon Congressional Building, with many government leaders attending. While millions of citizens, from coast to coast, will be in earnest prayer for America, we will be heartened to know that many of our government leaders are joining us in beseeching God for His continued blessings on our nation.


Mrs. Dobson recently outlined the purpose of the National Day of Prayer.


"As our individual petitions are joined together and transformed into a mighty chorus," she said, "we have the power to usher in a revival that will sweep through our nation."


She continued, "By coming together in prayer, we have the opportunity to answer Christ's call to be 'salt and light' in a dark world."


She cited Matthew 5:14, 16B: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden ... let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven."


"Clearly," she noted, "by coming before the Lord personally and corporately in prayer, we are shining His light into the darkness."


Dr. Luis Palau, has written a prayer for our nation that the National Day of Prayer Task Force is encouraging Americans from coast-to-coast to collectively recite at noon on May 1. That prayer reads as follows:


Our Father and our God,


We thank you for the many blessings You have poured out on America and we praise You for Your mercy. You have said: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." We confess, O Lord, our national and personal sins. We repent and ask forgiveness for all actions that dishonor You. O God, bless our President and other leaders. Provide them with wisdom and move them to honor You. Deliver this great nation from all our enemies as we recommit ourselves to trust, serve and obey Your commands. We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.


I encourage people of faith everywhere to participate with us as we earnestly seek God's continued blessing on America, by joining with us in heartfelt prayer during the National Day of Prayer on May 1. Then, that evening, gather around your televisions and watch the inspiring Concert of Prayer, which can be seen on FamilyNet, Sky Angel, the Liberty Channel and the Total Living Network. Visit http://www.concertofprayer.org for information on how you can watch this international prayer/music/celebration event that will originate from the Liberty University campus.


Jerry Falwell
Jerry Falwell.com

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