<a href="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/large-poster.png"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2858" alt="LARGE-POSTER" src="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/large-poster.png?w=300" width="300" height="300" /></a>In 1952, the United States Senate designated the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer.

A day set aside when Americans of all faiths gather in prayer in front of courthouses, houses of worship, mosques, synagogues, and temples. Communities schedule luncheons, picnics, and music performances revolving around praying for our nation.

Click here to find a celebration near you: <a href="http://nationaldayofprayer.org/events/">http://nationaldayofprayer.org/events/</a>

The theme for today’s 62<sup>nd</sup> annual observance of National Day of Prayer is “Pray for America.” At noon today, Honorary Chairman <a href="http://nationaldayofprayer.org/2013-pastor-greg-laurie-2/" target="_blank">Pastor Greg Laurie</a> will offer this prayer:

<em>"Father, we come to You to pray for our nation, the United States of America.</em>

<em>How You have blessed us through the years, Lord! We rightly sing, “America, America, God shed His grace on thee.” Yet we see trouble in our culture today. We see the breakdown of the family, crippling addictions, and random acts of horrific violence.</em>

<em>Lord, we need Your help in America. In recent days, we have done our best to remove Your Word and Your counsel from our courtrooms, classrooms and culture. It seems, as President Lincoln once said, that we have “forgotten God.” But Lord, You have not forgotten us! You can bless and help and revive our country again.</em>

<em>Scripture tells us that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Lord, in Your mercy, we ask that You would exalt our country again. We have had a number of great awakenings in America. We have experienced times of refreshing, and revivals that changed not only the spiritual but also the moral landscape. As the psalmist said, “Will You not revive us again, so that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6)</em>

<em>That is our prayer for America today, Lord. Send a mighty spiritual awakening that will turn the hearts of men and women, boys and girls back to you. You have told us if we will humble ourselves and pray, and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways, that You will forgive our sins and heal our land. (2 Chronicles7:14)</em>

<em>Forgive us today, Lord, and heal this troubled land that we love so much.</em>

<em>We ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ."</em>

The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. A day when people of all faiths can pause and pray for our nation and our leaders.

<a href="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/nationaldayofprayer.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2859" alt="nationaldayofprayer" src="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/nationaldayofprayer.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="224" /></a>

I believe we can do nothing more important and encourage everyone, no matter what his or her religious preference, to join me today.