2013 National Observance, Washington, D.C.

“Pray that we will be able to weather the storm that I am almost certain will come – that we will not be required to put aside our Constitutional rights.” – Rear Admiral William D. Lee

Every year, the National Day of Prayer Task Force coordinates several events on Capital Hill including the National Observance at the Cannon House Office Building. With speakers like Chuck Swindoll, Oliver North, Max Lucado, Beth Moore, and Franklin Graham, the expectations are always high and the response is overwhelming. More than one hundred thousand people tune in live, via video stream, for what is sure to be a prayer event highlight reel as representatives from each branch of government, prominent ministries, and businesses share encouraging and convicting messages with ambassadors, delegates, and individuals from all walks of life in the historic Caucus Room – and the 62nd annual National Day of Prayer observance did not disappoint.

The morning began promptly at 9:00 a.m. eastern with the presentation of the colors by the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard and the National Anthem by the Brass Quintet. Mrs. Shirley Dobson, Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, kicked off the momentous celebration with a warm greeting and introduction of both Rabbi Daniel Lapin and Rabbi Neal Surasky.

Rabbi Daniel Lapin took the podium first and blessed the occasion with eloquent words of personal evaluation as to how we view the exercise of prayer; “It is the entirety of the Bible that is the blueprint to goodness, decency, hope, optimism and faith. Prayer is not surrendering to the spasm of superstitious reflection, rather, prayer is asking God and supplicating to God.”

Rabbi Neal Surasky then put the Shofar to his lips and belted out what seemed to be the longest held note to echo throughout the halls of Congress in the history of our nation. At that moment, we knew the prayer event had begun.

The line-up of speakers that followed were second to none with each building on the other and driving the message that prayer is the only hope for America. With the opening prayer from Father Magat, who stated that “our nation is under the care and providence of Almighty God and has confidence that He will guide the course of our nation”, to the powerful words of Barry Black, chaplain of the Senate, who urged people to stop praying for just themselves and to start praying for their leaders, even if they disagree with their politics. “Let us stop praying only for ourselves, adding that “Godliness is a national security issue.” Indeed, the National Observance was not one to miss.

Judge David Gustafson, who represented the Judicial Branch, sought prayer for all those serving in this vital role, “Please pray that God will give us wisdom beyond our wisdom.” Both Representative Robert Aderholt (AL) and Representative Frank Wolf (VA) took the stage and reminded the nation that there are still congressmen who pray and do so with great expectation that God will direct the affairs of the nation. Wolf then quoted de Tocqueville with these words, “I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.”

Pat Boone, an original member of the National Day of Prayer Task Force in 1988, reminded us that America’s founding fathers embraced religious practice and Christianity. “Benjamin Franklin called for a daily sermon before Congress began deliberations. John Jay, a member of the Supreme Court, said that Christians were preferred for government positions.” He then quoted Proverbs 21:1 which says, “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” Then added these words, “Heaven is waiting for our decisions and our petitions.”

This led up to the message by the Honorary Chairman, Greg Laurie, who said, “With God nothing is impossible and God can turn America around.” After his powerful words of affirmation, hope and inspiration, he closed with the reading of the national prayer.

Finally, it was Rear Admiral William D. Lee who ended the 3-hour event with five, yes 5, standing ovations. He gave a desperate appeal for prayer asking all to lift up the armed forces at such a critical time in our nation’s history. “Pray that we will be able to weather the storm that I am almost certain will come – that we will not be required to put aside our Constitutional rights,” he said. General Jerry Boykin issued the following statement after hearing the passionate and courageous message; “Rear Admiral William Lee demonstrated real courage yesterday when he spoke at the National Day of Prayer event in the nation’s capital. I have seen courage manifested in many ways, including the ultimate sacrifice of one’s life for one’s country, but this type of moral courage is becoming more and more rare…You want a real hero? Just look no further than Rear Admiral William D Lee.”

If you missed it, then listen now to the 2013 National Observance:

All 50 Governors and the President of the United States proclaimed the 62^nd annual National Day of Prayer as millions of Americans gathered from coast to coast in solemn assembly.  It was the single, largest mobilized effort to prayer in the history of our nation with more than 42,000 events taking place at courthouse steps, parks, offices, government buildings, churches and homes symbolizing a single prayer – one voice – one cry – for such a time as this. It was, perhaps, the fulfillment of the vision of President John Adams, who wrote on June 17, 1775, “We have appointed a Continental fast. Millions will be upon their knees at once before their great Creator, imploring his forgiveness and blessing; his smiles on American councils and arms.”

Stadiums were filled from Pennsylvania to Minnesota with shouts of prayer and adoration. Parades, motorcycle rallies, hot air balloon launches and more were planned in celebration. In Washington D.C., standing room only events with extended lines throughout the duration of the programs gave transparency to the move of the Holy Spirit to unite the church for what appears to be the sparking embers of a global revival. At the precipice of this National Day of Prayer, many within the church had been praying for just such an awakening and the results may have historic impact of immeasurable proportions. Revive us again was the popular theme of the season as millions united in prayer. It was Charles Spurgeon, who in1866 said, “the word “revive” wears its meaning upon its forehead; it is from the Latin, and may be interpreted thus—to live again, to receive again a life which has almost expired; to rekindle into a flame the vital spark which was nearly extinguished. A true revival is to be looked for in the church of God. Only in the river of gracious life can the pearl of revival be found.”

Revival is not new – God has always intervened trying to get us out of our stagnation and apathy. The Old Testament is a history of revival. In fact, one scholar indicated 7 major revival periods with over 16 clear cultural moves of God during that time. As seasons of complacency would overwhelm the nations in sorrow with a dramatic fall from the graces of God, there would be a spark within a few, driven by His very hand that would lead to national repentance as evidenced in Ezekiel 33:11 or Joel chapter 1, where he declares that the only hope is for a nation to “declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God and cry out to Him.”

Following the church from the 14^th century throughout modern times, we can document 54 revivals according to many theological sources. In the United States we have seen 3 great times of revival including the 1857 Fulton Street Revival led by a relatively unknown man by the name of Jeremiah Lanphier. What started out as a gathering of 5 people for the state of our nation turned into a movement of over one million men and women turning back to God in bold exclamation of faith. 50,000 people gave their lives to the Lord and this time is credited for a significant drop in crime and a rebuilding of the broken homes that permeated New York City at a time of high unemployment and national insecurity.

The evidence that God is calling his people to revival are overwhelming and as E.M. Bounds stated in his powerful book, The Weapon of Prayer, “A breed of Christian is greatly needed who will seek tirelessly after God, who will give Him no rest, day and night, until He hearken to their cry. The times demand praying individuals who are all athirst for God’s glory, who are broad and unselfish in their desires, quenchless for God, who seek Him late and early, and who will give themselves no rest until the whole earth be filled with His glory.”

The formula is written for us clearly in II Chronicles 7:14 and God’s people are responding by the masses. He has called his church to:

Many will look to the headlines to see if there is instant change in America as a result of this massive public outcry and what we must remember is that God will respond in His timing. Our prayers will not go unanswered. Like the disciples who waited 50 days for the promise of Christ to be fulfilled on Pentecost, we must be patient and remain mobilized and confident that the prayers of His people are powerful and effective and generations not yet born will praise the Lord, Psalm 102:18.

May God bless America once more!

To learn more about Joni and Friends, and the incredible work they are doing, you can visit their website at http://www.joniandfriends.org

Seal of the President of the United States of America

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans have long turned to prayer both in times of joy and times of sorrow. On their voyage to the New World, the earliest settlers prayed that they would “rejoice together, mourn together, labor, and suffer together, always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work.” From that day forward, Americans have prayed as a means of uniting, guiding, and healing. In times of hardship and tragedy, and in periods of peace and prosperity, prayer has provided reassurance, sustenance, and affirmation of common purpose.

Prayer brings communities together and can be a wellspring of strength and support. In the aftermath of senseless acts of violence, the prayers of countless Americans signal to grieving families and a suffering community that they are not alone. Their pain is a shared pain, and their hope a shared hope. Regardless of religion or creed, Americans reflect on the sacredness of life and express their sympathy for the wounded, offering comfort and holding up a light in an hour of darkness.

All of us have the freedom to pray and exercise our faiths openly. Our laws protect these God-given liberties, and rightly so. Today and every day, prayers will be offered in houses of worship, at community gatherings, in our homes, and in neighborhoods all across our country. Let us give thanks for the freedom to practice our faith as we see fit, whether individually or in fellowship.

On this day, let us remember in our thoughts and prayers all those affected by recent events, such as the Boston Marathon bombings, the Newtown, Connecticut shootings, and the explosion in West, Texas. Let us pray for the police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow Americans. Let us also pray for the safety of our brave men and women in uniform and their families who serve and sacrifice for our country. Let us come together to pray for peace and goodwill today and in the days ahead as we work to meet the great challenges of our time.

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.”

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 2, 2013, as a National Day of Prayer. I join the citizens of our Nation in giving thanks, in accordance with our own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and in asking for God’s continued guidance, mercy, and protection.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

John Bornschein, Vice Chairman

As you make plans for the National Day of Prayer, keep in mind there are numerous ways to get involved. It is amazing how fast a day will pass, so try participating in one or more of the following:

• LIVE WEBCAST, FRC Men’s Prayer Time – On Wednesday, May 1, a prayer gathering of ministry, business and congressional leaders will take place in Washington D.C. and be broadcast LIVE via webcast from the Family Research Building. Speakers include Pastor Greg Laurie, Dr. Kenyn Cureton, Dr. James Dobson, John Bornschein and many others. CLICK HERE for more >

• Find an Event – Thousands of prayer gatherings are taking place across the United States on this 62^nd annual National Day of Prayer. Chances are, there is an event right near you. To find out, click here and search by city, state and zip. Be sure to make sure the mile radius is set correctly or it may limit your search too much. Start with state and see where the Lord leads you. CLICK HERE for more >

• Watch the National Observance LIVE – Join Pastor Greg Laurie, Dr. James and Shirley Dobson, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Mrs. Vonette Bright, Mr. Pat Boone, Congressman Frank Wolf, Wintley Phipps, Chaplain Barry Black, The Annie Moses Band, Dr. Dick Eastman, Mr. David Butts, Mr. John Bornschein, and more LIVE from Washington D.C. – Thursday, May 2, 2013. This WEBCAST will be from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon ET, broadcasting LIVE from the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill. The National Day of Prayer Task Force has partnered, once again, with GOD TV to broadcast this special event, which will be available to millions of viewers in more than 200 countries around the world. The program will also be broadcast on DirecTV channel 365 and streamed LIVE on this website. Look for re-broadcast times. CLICK HERE for more >

Men’s Prayer Time – National Day of Prayer Task Force

This webcast took place on May 1, 2013 at the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C. including ministry, business, and congressional leaders. Speakers include Pastor Greg Laurie (2013 Honorary Chairman), Dr. Kenyn Cureton, Dr. James Dobson, John Bornschein, and many others.

We can never see into the future to know how God will work. This was the case about seven years ago as Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday (Easter) approached. In God’s providence, I got an email sharing about Christian pilots flying pastors and people who wanted to pray in the state of Ohio over that upcoming celebration. This recently formed group were calling themselves ‘PrayerFlight’.

Well if you work with National Day of Prayer, your immediate prompting might be like mine was: “Wow, would they fly in prayer on the First Thursday of May too? Could this be done in additional states?” I called Michael Harnishfeger, one of PrayerFlight’s founders and pilot from the email correspondence. He seemed interested right away. He checked with the board. Their mission expanded quickly to include the annual National Day of Prayer. Now seven years later, due to the working of God Almighty, our airwaves are blanketed in prayer over every state capitol, comprising our nation as a whole. God can surely move mightily! Praise God with us through the following from Michael of PrayerFlight:

PrayerFlight is pleased to announce 100% coverage for our “50 Capitals” National Day of Prayer – PrayerFlight.

As we like to say, from Hawaii to New York, from Alaska to Florida, Texas to North Dakota and California to South Carolina – on May 2, 2013 pilots and prayer warriors in every state will be uniting in flight, in prayer for our country. It is with great humility that we find ourselves in service to the King of Kings and we are grateful for His Blessings on this mission.

With only two weeks to go, we are well on our way to making this a banner year. Many of our states have pledged multiple airplanes and in Ohio, we are planning on 20 to 25 airplanes gathered for a time of fellowship, prayer and flight. We ask that you continue to reach out to pilots in your state and encourage them to register for this exciting mission by following the link below.

This is an exciting time and we are thankful for our partners from around the nation who have committed to this critically important mission.

More than any time before, our nation needs prayer. As our Mission Verse proclaims, we depend on God to heal our land for in fact there is no other way.

Thank you to all who have prayed, called and committed to PrayerFlight – we look forward to wheels up on May 2nd.

As time approaches we will keep our partners informed on the final number of pilots flying on our National Day of Prayer.

God has continued to work expanding this ‘prayer in the air’. Reports each year from participants have reflected that this aerial view of schools to workplaces, transportation routes to churches, military bases to capitols, neighborhoods and more provided heightened awareness of the array of needs in each place. When I flew with Colorado Prayer Flight several years ago, I felt the Lord directing our prayers as we flew over our capitol, the Denver Mint, downtown metro skyline, universities and then back over rural lands of ranches, forests and fields. Elevation can help bridge the gap between our micro view and God’s complete perspective.

Please join us in giving thanks to our Lord for His creative help to call this nation to pray through the avenue of flight and numerous other venues. For more information on PrayerFlight and how you might get involved, visit their website at http://www.prayerflight.org/

To find a prayer event near you or post an event, please visit visit http://nationaldayofprayer.org/events/

]]> http://nationaldayofprayer.org/filling-the-air-with-prayer/feed/ 0 http://nationaldayofprayer.org/pray-song/ http://nationaldayofprayer.org/pray-song/#comments Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:28:58 +0000 Matt Hammitt http://nationaldayofprayer.org/?p=6636

Members of the Christian rock band, Sanctus Real (Sparrow Records)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7

PRAY – Check out the music video below…