On May 5th, 2016 religious dignitaries and community leaders gathered at Brooksville Commons to pray for our nation. Stephanie Sager sang an opening hymn. Local church leaders delivered prayers for the President, Governor of Florida, Mayor of Brooksville, Congress, Supreme Court, Presidential elections, local officials, community/church relations, military, schools, children, culture, colleges, terrorism, law enforcement/fire rescue, economy, churches as well as the spiritual condition of our country.
The theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer was “Wake Up America,” highlighting the bible verse Isaiah 58 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.”
While National Day of Prayer wasn’t officially designated until 1952, there have been many such days observed throughout America’s history. Colonists took a day for prayer and thanksgiving in the fall, while in the spring or summer there was a day for prayer and fasting. Continental Congress declared colonists take a day of prayer and fasting in 1775. Serving as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington declared a day of prayer on May 6, 1779. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln formally established The National Holiday of Thanksgiving in the Fall, but it wasn’t until 1952 that Harry S. Truman officially called for a National Day of Prayer, but did not designate a day. It is said that Reverend Billy Graham issued a challenge in January of 1952 (during the Korean War) when he stated, “What a thrilling, glorious thing it would be to see the leaders of our country today kneeling before Almighty God in prayer. What a thrill would sweep this country. What renewed hope and courage would grip the Americans at this hour of peril.”
Today, the first Thursday in May is designated National Day of Prayer. It is uplifting to see our local community praying for our nation.
