National Day of Prayer is an annual event held around our country, since 1952 when it was formally created by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Each year, the President signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. This is usually followed by all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signing similar proclamations. It is estimated that in recent years, over two million people attended more than 30,000 observances each year on National Day of Prayer.
National Day of Prayer is based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible. Our founding fathers were people of faith and they established our great country on these principles. They knew that our country could only survive and flourish by the grace and provision of our God. As Patrick Henry so eloquently put it, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” Freedom and liberty find their roots in our faith, and our faith is sustained and strengthened through prayer.
As in past years, North Dakota is again participating in National Day of Prayer. We will be led in prayer for seven areas: government, church, business, military, family, education, and media.
The event will be held on Thursday, May 6, from 12:00-1:00pm in Memorial Hall at the State Capitol. Last year we could not have people gather in person, but this year we can! There is no need to register, but seating is limited, so arrive on time and enter through the south entrance to the Capitol.
The event will also be streamed on Facebook Live on our Kansas Family Voice of North Dakota Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you there as we lift up our nation and state to God!
Blessings,
Mark Jorritsma
President and Executive Director
P.S. If you can’t make our event at the Capitol, there are others around the state. Just go to NDP Events and choose North Dakota to search for NDP events in other locations.