Formal calls for prayer on behalf of the United States of America actually pre-date the country itself.
The first came in 1775, “with the first call to prayer that happened when the Continental Congress called for prayers for the forming nation.” Democratic President Harry S Truman signed the first official declaration by Congress of a national day of prayer in 1952. Republican President Ronald Reagan amended that law to designate the first Thursday in May of each year “National Day of Prayer.” [1-4]
President Donald Trump issued his 2019 “Presidential Proclamation on National Day of Prayer” earlier this week. [5]
Ostensibly a unifying concept and practice, for many it stirs debate centered on the frequently misquoted “Establishment Clause” of the First Amendment to the US Constitution. That’s the one that reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ….” [6]
Nowhere in that do the words “separation of church and state” appear. [7-9]
For perspective closer to home, Saline Journal put the question to our own member of the US House of Representatives, Congressman Tim Walberg. Prior to serving in elected office, he pastored in Michigan and Indiana, and worked for Moody Bible Institute. Here is his response. [10-11]
If you read American history, our nation was formed on Judeo-Christian values that are woven into every aspect of our founding documents and system of self-governance. In many cases, the nation has been brought to its knees in prayer by our presidents, beginning with the first one, George Washington.
In this time in American life as well, it is important for our nation to come together, voluntarily, to pray for each other and our leadership. Continuing to do so reminds us that we have a greater cause than just ourselves. While we live in divided times, faith binds us together as a people. May we not withdraw from the institution of prayer, but recognize the positive impact it brings.
This National Day of Prayer, may we continue to seek God’s guidance for and blessing on this country.
The focus this year is the passage at John 13:34 in the Bible, New Testament, which quotes Jesus to his disciples.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. [12]
Further context on this was provided to us by Jeanette Brenner, Director of Congressional Care for First United Methodist Church of Saline. “This is more powerful because it happened as part of The Last Supper. It was after Jesus washed the Apostles’ feet — and after he washed Judas’ feet. It was radical love.” [13-17]
Ms Brenner served as part of a team recruited to support a National Day of Prayer gathering offered this morning for the City of Saline, in the Liberty School board room. Organized by Annherst Kreitz and Ken Gilmore, this Christian event was structured in two roughly equal parts scheduled to run for an hour starting at 10:00am, following a thirty minute gathering period. By Saline Journal on-site count, attendance numbered fifty. [18,19]
The first portion, called “corporate prayer,” appeared to be as much about =modeling approaches for individuals, as it was to provide context.
Notably, Pastor Gimore spoke to the idea that the power of individual prayer is multiplied by numbers in community. Impressively, his starting point for the prayer of any given person was first with an expression recognizing the power and authority of God, with substantiated gratitude for that. From there, turn inward in order to prepare for addressing the outward: Acknowledge grace and your own, personal need for forgiveness.
“Do this not out of habit,” he said, “but of need.”
Attendees were then offered the opportunity to pray at facilitated smaller group tables arranged by topics. People were free to spend any or all of their time with others on one or more of these concern areas.
- Businesses
- Churches
- Education and media arts
- Families
- Government
- Military and first responders
Speaking to the group without notes, Annherst Kreitz expressed clearly heartfelt appreciation to everyone who had come together here as a community in common purpose here. [20]
We ask that you be with us, Lord. And I pray that others will know that we are Christians by our love.
References
- “National Day of Prayer 2019 Guide: Prayers, History and President Donald Trump’s Proclamation” Nina Godlewski (May 2, 2019) Newsweek.
- “33. Harry S Truman” The White House.
- “40. Ronald Reagan” The White House.
- National Day of Prayer (home page).
- “Presidential Proclamation on National Day of Prayer, 2019” Donald J Trump (April 30, 2019) The White House.
- “Common Interpretation: The Establishment Clause” Marci A Hamilton and Michael McConnell, Constitution Center.
- “The True Meaning of Separation of Church and State” Bill Flax (June 9, 2011) Forbes.
- “The Real Meaning of the Separation of Church and State” James Lankford and Russell Moore (January 16, 2018) Time.
- “Your Right to Religious Freedom” ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union).
- “Congressman Tim Walberg: Representing the 7th District of Michigan” United States House of Representatives.
- Moody Bible Institute (home page).
- Reference New Living Translation.
- FUMC Saline (home page).
- “The Last Supper” All About Jesus Christ.
- “Who Were the 12 Disciples and What Should We Know about Them?” Allyson Holland, Crosswalk.
- “Judas Iscariot, Apostle” Encyclopaedia Britannica.
- “Why Did Judas Really Betray Jesus?” Candida Moss (April 13, 2019) Daily Beast.
- Annherst Kreitz (LinkedIn Profile).
- Kenneth Gilmore (LinkedIn Profile).
- “‘Love One Another’: National Day of Prayer Kicks Off With Call for Americans to Follow ‘the Golden Rule’” Abigail Robertson (May 2, 2019) CBN News.
