The Flash! – May 7, 2015
Did you know today represents the 64th year in which a day is designated to pray?
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2015, as a National Day of Prayer. I invite the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I join all people of faith in asking for God’s continued guidance, mercy, and protection as we seek a more just world.
Do you pray when the government, the church, a parent, or pastor ask you to? Or do you pray in each any every moment you feel moved to tell God about your desires, fears, joys and concerns? May God inspire and bless your prayers wherever, whenever, and however you offer them.
Do you pray on your knees with eyes closed and hands clasped in the dark? Or do you pray while working, driving, eating and showering in the light? May God inspire and bless your prayers wherever, whenever, and however you offer them.
Do you share your prayers with your voice when you are with other people and in public? Or do you pray in your heart when you are alone and talking only with God? May God inspire and bless your prayers wherever, whenever, and however you offer them.
Do you pray a few times each day at certain moments? Or is your conversation with God constant, spontaneous; driven by the Spirit which moves unpredictably like the wind? May God inspire and bless your prayers wherever, whenever, and however you offer them.
Do you offer prayers that are structured, time-tested, formulaic, and ritualistic? Or do you offer words that are personally crafted and rarely come out the same? May God inspire and bless your prayers wherever, whenever, and however you offer them.
Praise God for the message of this day: where, when, and how we pray does not matter; what matters is that we pray. Amen.
Peace,
Andy