Showing posts with label National Day of Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Day of Prayer. Show all posts

Thursday, May 04, 2023

Today Is National Day of Prayer

Yesterday, President Biden issued a Proclamation (full text) declaring today to be a National Day of Prayer, saying in part:

Throughout our history, prayer has empowered moral movements and fueled efforts to strengthen our democracy.  It was deeply rooted in the fight to abolish slavery and the expansion of voting rights and voter access.  And it continues to compel us to uphold our founding creed that all of us are created equal, are made in the image of God, and deserve to be treated with dignity and equality throughout our lives....

 The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a “National Day of Prayer.”

... I call upon the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, in accordance with their own faith and conscience, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I invite all people of faith to join me in asking for God’s continued guidance, mercy, and protection.

Thursday, May 05, 2022

Today Is National Day Of Prayer

Yesterday President Biden issued a Proclamation (full text) declaring today to be National Day of Prayer. Federal law, 36 USC §169h, provides:

The President shall set aside and proclaim the first Thursday in May in each year as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.

The President's Proclamation reads in part:

On this day, we recognize the healing power of prayer, especially as we recover from the trauma and loss of the COVID‑19 pandemic.  Today we find ourselves in a moment of renewal — of lives saved, of new jobs created, and of new hope for rebuilding America.  Today is also a moment of reflection when we are called to address some of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced — saving our planet from the existential threat of climate change; responding to attacks on democracy at home and abroad; and living up to our Nation’s promise of liberty, justice, and equality for all.

Friday, May 07, 2021

Yesterday Was National Day of Prayer

A federal statute, 36 USC 169h, provides:

The President shall set aside and proclaim the first Thursday in May in each year as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.

Yesterday was the first Thursday in May, and earlier this week President Biden issued a Proclamation (full text) announcing the day. It reads in part:

Today, we remember and celebrate the role that the healing balm of prayer can play in our lives and in the life of our Nation.  As we continue to confront the crises and challenges of our time — from a deadly pandemic, to the loss of lives and livelihoods in its wake, to a reckoning on racial justice, to the existential threat of climate change — Americans of faith can call upon the power of prayer to provide hope and uplift us for the work ahead.

UPDATE: The President's Proclamation has created some controversy. A Liberty Counsel press release says in part:

For the first time in 70 years, there was not a public prayer gathering at the U.S. Capitol Building yesterday during The National Day of Prayer, and Joe Biden made no mention of God in his proclamation.

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Trump Sends Message To "The Return"

 As reported by CBN News, thousands of Christians gathered on the National Mall today for The Return: National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance.  The event was organized by Messianic Jewish pastor Jonathan Cahn and featured numerous Christian speakers, including Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of evangelist Billy Graham. (CBN News). President Trump sent a written message (full text) to the event, which read in part:

On this inaugural National Day of Prayer and Return, the First Lady and I join millions of Christians here in the United States and around the world in prayer, as we turn our hearts to our Lord and Savior....

The trials and tribulations the American people have faced over the past several months have been great.  Yet, as we have seen time and again, the resolve of our citizenry—fortified by our faith in God—has guided us through these hardships and helped to unite us as one Nation under God.

Friday, May 08, 2020

White House National Day of Prayer Service Held Yesterday

The White House has released the transcript of the final 35 minutes of the National Day of Prayer Service held in the White House Rose Garden yesterday. Video of the full 47-minute service, which included remarks and prayers from numerous faith leaders, as well as remarks from the President, the First Lady and the Vice President, is available in full from C-SPAN at this link.

Thursday, May 07, 2020

Yesterday's National Day of Prayer Proclamation

Missed in the flood of developments, yesterday was National Day of Prayer. Here is the full text of President Trump's Proclamation which focused in large part on the COVID-19 crisis, saying in part:
Today, as much as ever, our prayerful tradition continues as our Nation combats the coronavirus.  During the past weeks and months, our heads have bowed at places outside of our typical houses of worship, whispering in silent solitude for God to renew our spirit and carry us through unforeseen and seemingly unbearable hardships.  Even though we have been unable to gather together in fellowship with our church families, we are still connected through prayer and the calming reassurance that God will lead us through life’s many valleys.  In the midst of these trying and unprecedented times, we are reminded that just as those before us turned to God in their darkest hours, so must we seek His wisdom, strength, and healing hand.  We pray that He comforts those who have lost loved ones, heals those who are sick, strengthens those on the front lines, and reassures all Americans that through trust in Him, we can overcome all obstacles....
I encourage all Americans to observe this day, reflecting on the blessings our Nation has received and the importance of prayer, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in their houses of worship, communities, and places of work, schools, and homes consistent with the White House’s “Guidelines for Opening up America Again.”

Saturday, March 14, 2020

President Calls For Day of Prayer For Protection and Strength

In a Tweet issued yesterday President Donald Trump said:
It is my great honor to declare Sunday March 15 as a National Day of Prayer. We are a Country that, throughout our history, looked to God for protection and strength in times like these. No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together we will easily PREVAIL!
However, no formal Presidential Proclamation on the day of prayer appears on the White House website. Fox News reports on the President's statement.

Thursday, May 02, 2019

Today Is National Day of Prayer

Earlier this week, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation (full text) declaring today as a National Day of Prayer.  The Proclamation is called for by 36 USC §119 passed by Congress in 1988. The Proclamation states in part:
Our Nation acknowledges that religious liberty is a natural right, given to us by our Creator, not a courtesy that government extends to us.  The First Amendment recognizes the freedom of religion and safeguards this right against government infringement.  The United States’ steadfast commitment to upholding religious freedom has ensured that people of different faiths can pray together and live in peace as fellow American citizens.  We have no tolerance for those who disrupt this peace, and we condemn all hate and violence, particularly in our places of worship.
According to CBN News, last night the President hosted 100 religious leaders of a wide variety of faiths at a White House dinner.  In remarks, the President said in part:
All of us in this room send our love and prayers to the Jewish Americans wounded at the Chabad of Poway shooting in California. And our hearts break for the life of Laurie Gilbert-Kaye who was so wickedly taken from us."
We mourn for the Christians murdered in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday and grieve for the Muslims murdered at their mosques in New Zealand.  Here at home, we also remember the three historically black churches burned recently in Louisiana and the horrific shooting last year at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
The non-governmental National Day of Prayer Committee has scheduled an observance in Washington, D.C. for this evening.

UPDATE: Vice President Pence spoke at a White House Rose Garden ceremony marking the National Day of Prayer. (full text of remarks).

Thursday, May 03, 2018

Today Is National Day of Prayer

Today is National Day of Prayer.  36 USC §119 provides:
The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.
According to the private National Day of Prayer Task Force, the theme of this year's observance is Pray for America - UNITY. The Task Force President, Dr. Ronnie Floyd, will host an observance tonight in Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol.

UPDATE: Here is President Trump’s Proclamation.

Saturday, September 02, 2017

Trump Declares Sept. 3 As National Day of Prayer For Hurricane Victims

President Trump yesterday issued a Proclamation (full text) declaring Sept. 3 as a "National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Harvey and for our National Response and Recovery Efforts." The Proclamation reads in part:
As response and recovery efforts continue, and as Americans provide much needed relief to the people of Texas and Louisiana, we are reminded of Scripture's promise that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Melania and I are grateful to everyone devoting time, effort, and resources to the ongoing response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.  We invite all Americans to join us as we continue to pray for those who have lost family members or friends, and for those who are suffering in this time of crisis.

Thursday, May 04, 2017

Trump Issues Day of Prayer Proclamation and Religious Liberty Executive Order

Today President Trump issued a Proclamation (full text) designating today as National Day of Prayer. It reads in part:
We are also reminded and reaffirm that all human beings have the right, not only to pray and worship according to their consciences, but to practice their faith in their homes, schools, charities, and businesses    in private and in the public square    free from government coercion, discrimination, or persecution.  Religion is not merely an intellectual exercise, but also a practical one that demands action in the world.  Even the many prisoners around the world who are persecuted for their faith can pray privately in their cells.  But our Constitution demands more:  the freedom to practice one's faith publicly.
The President also marked the day by issuing an "Executive Order Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty" (full text) setting out four policy initiatives:
Section 1.... It shall be the policy of the executive branch to vigorously enforce Federal law's robust protections for religious freedom.....
Sec. 2....  All executive departments and agencies ... shall, to the greatest extent practicable and to the extent permitted by law, respect and protect the freedom of persons and organizations to engage in religious and political speech. In particular, the Secretary of the Treasury shall ensure, to the extent permitted by law, that the Department of the Treasury does not take any adverse action against any individual, house of worship, or other religious organization on the basis that such individual or organization speaks or has spoken about moral or political issues from a religious perspective, where speech of similar character has, consistent with law, not ordinarily been treated as participation or intervention in a political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) a candidate for public office by the Department of the Treasury....
Sec. 3.... The Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall consider issuing amended regulations, consistent with applicable law, to address conscience-based objections to the preventive-care mandate promulgated under section 300gg-13(a)(4) of title 42, United States Code.
Sec. 4....  In order to guide all agencies in complying with relevant Federal law, the Attorney General shall, as appropriate, issue guidance interpreting religious liberty protections in Federal law.

Thursday, May 05, 2016

Today Has Been National Day of Prayer

Today has been the National Day of Prayer.  Under 36 USC Sec. 119, the president is to issue a proclamation each year "designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals."  President Obama issued this year's Proclamation (full text) yesterday. The Proclamation reads in part:
In times of steady calm and extraordinary change alike, Americans of all walks of life have long turned to prayer to seek refuge, demonstrate gratitude, and discover peace.  Sustaining us through great uncertainty and moments of sorrow, prayer allows us an outlet for introspection, and for expressing our hopes, desires, and fears.  It offers strength in the face of hardship, and redemption when we falter.  Our country was founded on the idea of religious freedom, and we have long upheld the belief that how we pray and whether we pray are matters reserved for an individual's own conscience.  On National Day of Prayer, we rededicate ourselves to extending this freedom to all people.
The national observance, sponsored by the private National Day of Prayer Task Force, took place at the Canon House Office Building on Capitol Hill this morning.  The Task Force also announced today that  Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Dr. Billy Graham, is succeeding Shirley Dobson as chair of the Task Force.  Dobson has served in that role for 25 years.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Zambia Tries To Solve Financial Crisis Through Day of Prayer

Zambia observed yesterday as a national day of fasting and prayer for recovery of the value of the country's currency, the Kwacha.  According to RT News, President Edgar Lungu called for the day of prayer after the value of the Kwacha dropped 45% against the dollar this year.  A global drop in commodity prices affected the country's main export-- copper, while lack of rain has caused hydroelectric plants to cut electricity by up to 14 hours per day. In a speech yesterday, Lungu said:
I personally believe that since we humbled ourselves and cried out to God, the Lord has heard our cry.  I appeal to all of you to do your best and leave the rest to God.
However, the managing director at Sub-Saharan Consulting Group Zambia, Trevor Simumba, observed:
No matter how many prayers you make it doesn’t change the fact that you have a fiscal deficit and you’re not doing anything to reduce that fiscal deficit. We know God can do miracles, but He cannot change things that are facts on the ground.

Thursday, May 07, 2015

Today Is the Official National Day of Prayer

A federal statute, 36 USC Sec. 119, requires the President to issue a Proclamation each year designating the first Thursday in May as "a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals."  This year's Proclamation (full text) which this morning is on the National Day of Prayer Task Force website, but not yet on the White House website, reads in part:
When women and men of all backgrounds and beliefs are free to practice their faiths without fear or coercion, it bolsters our religious communities and helps to lift up diverse and vibrant societies throughout our world. In America, our Nation is stronger because we welcome and respect people of all faiths, and because we protect the fundamental right of all peoples to practice their faith how they choose, to change their faith, or to practice no faith at all, and to do so free from persecution and discrimination. Today, as we pause in solemn reflection, we celebrate the religious liberty we cherish here at home, and we recommit to standing up for religious freedom around the world.
In recent years, the National Day of Prayer has become increasingly controversial as the private National Day of Prayer Task Force has emphasized a Christian-themed program and the White House, particularly under Barack Obama, has attempted to make the event more inclusive. (See prior posting.) The Washington Post carried an opinion piece yesterday making a similar point titled Let’s stop pretending we’re being inclusive on the National Day of Prayer. This year's National Observance planned by the Task Force will be held this morning on Capitol Hill at the Cannon House Office Building and will be llive streamed here beginning at 9:00 am. This year's honorary chair is Dr. Jack Graham. The listed speakers include at least one non-Christian, the politically conservative Rabbi Daniel Lapin who heads the American Alliance of Jews and Christians. Lapin's Message on that organizaion's website reads in part: "I realized that Jews lived more benignly, more tranquilly and more prosperously today in the United States than anywhere else in the world during the past two thousand years.  It was clear to me that this was precisely because America is a Christian country."

UPDATE: The Presidential Proclamation is now also on the White House website.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Colorado Supreme Court: FFRF Lacks Standing To Challenge Day of Prayer Proclamations

In a 5-2 decision yesterday, the Colorado Supreme Court held that the Freedom From Religion Foundation and its members lack standing to challenge the Governor's annual Colorado Day of Prayer proclamations. The suit claimed that the proclamations violate Art. II, Sec. 4 of the Colorado Constitution which prohibits the government from giving preference to any religious denomination.  In Hickenlooper v. Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc., (CO Sup. Ct., Nov. 24, 2014), the majority said in part:
Although we do not question the sincerity of Respondents’ feelings, without more, their circuitous exposure to the honorary proclamations and concomitant belief that the proclamations expressed the Governor’s preference for religion is simply too indirect and incidental an injury to confer individual standing. To hold otherwise would render the injury-in-fact requirement superfluous, as any person who learned of a government action through the media and felt politically marginalized as a result of that secondhand media exposure would have individual standing to sue the government. Because such a result would stretch our already broad conceptualization of individual standing beyond recognition and thrust the judiciary beyond its article III limits, we hold that Respondents have not alleged an injury sufficient to establish individual standing.
Justice Hood, joined by Justice Hobbs, dissented. They would have found standing, but concluded that the proclamations do not violate the state constitution's Preference Clause, saying in part:
If our “tradition assumes that adult citizens, firm in their own beliefs, can tolerate and perhaps appreciate a ceremonial prayer delivered by a person of a different faith,” then it must also be assumed that adult citizens can tolerate something far less intrusive: a proclamation urging appreciation of the power of a prayer.

Monday, September 08, 2014

Last Weekend Was National Days of Prayer and Remembrance

In a Presidential Proclamation (full text) issued last Thursday, President Obama declared this past weekend (Sept 5-7) as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of 9-11. The Proclamation reads in part:
On this solemn anniversary, let us reaffirm the fundamental American values of freedom and tolerance -- values that stand in stark contrast to the nihilism of those who attacked us.  Let us give thanks for all the men and women in uniform who defend these values from new threats, and let us remember those who laid down their lives for our country.  May our faith reveal that even the darkest night gives way to a brighter dawn.....
I ask that  the people of the United States honor and remember the victims of September 11, 2001, and their loved ones through prayer, contemplation, memorial services, the visiting of memorials, the ringing of bells, evening candlelight remembrance vigils, and other appropriate ceremonies and activities.  I invite people around the world to participate in this commemoration.

Thursday, May 01, 2014

Today Is National Day of Prayer

Today is National Day of Prayer.  36 USC Sec. 119 provides:
The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.
Presumably this year's Proclamation will be posted on the White House website sometime today. Meanwhile the private National Day of Prayer Task Force has scheduled a national observance at the Cannon House Office Building at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The Task Force's observances traditionally are Christian in focus-- and that remains the case this  year.  The event will be hosted by Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt.  While two rabbis are listed as participants in the program, they are both from Messianic Jewish organizations.

According to CBN, in preparation for National Day of Prayer, the 25th annual U.S. Capitol Bible reading marathon began Sunday evening. The entire Bible is being read non-stop, and will be completed today.

UPDATE: The Presidential Proclamation -- National Day of Prayer, 2014 is now available on the White House website.