Ministry Update from Shirley Dobson
Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force
Warm greetings to you, friends! Given your gracious support of our National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force’s efforts, I want to take a moment as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day to share with you our excitement over the tremendous outpouring of prayer for our country that took place on the National Day of Prayer, May 6. Millions of citizens across this land united before God’s throne in a public expression of the hard-won religious freedoms passed down to us by our Founding Fathers and preserved for us by the sacrifice of brave Americans in subsequent generations. There was a groundswell of participation this year, despite United States District Court Judge Barbara Crabb’s April 15 ruling that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional. We believe this is moving evidence of the scriptural truth that what is intended for evil, the Lord can use for good (Genesis 50:20). Our theme for 2010, “Prayer … For Such a Time as This!” became even more significant in light of the attacks on the National Day of Prayer, as well the increasing challenges facing individuals and families as they struggle with the burdens of daily life. Yet, though troubles may surround us, we place our confidence and hope in God, and we give Him all the glory for His mercy, provision, and transforming presence in our lives, across America, and around the world.
We’ve received wonderful testimonies to the Lord’s faithfulness in response to the petitions of His people leading up to and during National Day of Prayer events on May 6. These accounts have served as humble reminders of God’s grace and lovingkindness. I hope you’ll be encouraged by the sampling of stories below!
o National Observance: Our Honorary Chairman, Reverend Franklin Graham, recording artist Ricky Skaggs, and high-level government, military, and judicial representatives participated in a wonderful prayer event on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. This gathering was seen live around the world via the Internet and God TV, making this time of worship available to millions of people who might not otherwise have been able to participate. We heard from individuals across the U.S. and from as far away as Mexico City, Finland, the United Kingdom, India, and South Africa. As one viewer wrote, “I am so grateful that your broadcast enables us to be virtually present at this event!” Another said, “Let’s pray we will keep this day and our freedom to pray forever,” and someone else commented, “Thank you for helping to defend our (taken for granted) freedom!”
o Americans overseas and at home: American soldiers in Mosul, Iraq, gathered for prayer. Back in the states, a diverse group in Buffalo, New York, prayed in the multiple languages of their heritage – English, Spanish, Hebrew, and Korean – yet raised their voices as one; and on the West Coast, several thousand individuals met for prayer at the California state capitol – the highest number ever.
o Unique Expressions: PrayerFlight airplanes flew over cities and all 50 state capitol buildings, offering pilots and passengers a remarkable vantage point from which to pray; 171 participants met at Bell Helicopter in Texas; and in Virginia, a National Day of Prayer teen event, “Impact Richmond,” saw 21 youth make a decision for Christ!
o Nashville: Close to 1,500 people gathered after a change of location from the Grand Ole Opry House to the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville due to flood damage. They crowded in from across the devastated region to lift up praise, repentance, and petitions, as well as to ask blessings for our nation. Ricky Skaggs, multiple Grammy Award-winning musician noted, “Our plan B was God’s plan A.”
o Missouri: There was a special emphasis on prayer at the request of the state legislature as they prepared their annual budget. As a result, leaders observed that any contentiousness that might have resulted from such an intense and important task was avoided. As one lawmaker stated, “We finished the budget eight days early….That, in and of itself, is a miracle!” Our hope is that God will use this unique situation to renew a heart for prayer in the governing bodies of other states during this difficult economic time in our nation’s history.
As we consider these undeniable evidences of the Lord’s presence, we need to be diligent and persevere in our fight to protect the National Day of Prayer. This cherished observance points to the hard-won religious freedom we enjoy in our country and to the heritage of Judeo-Christian principles of faith that have been the foundation for our government and culture. If the National Day of Prayer is to be preserved in the face of the forces coming against it, there is still much work to be done, and we all need to do our part.
As a crucial step toward ensuring that this significant tradition continues, we ask that you join us in the Save the National Day of Prayer campaign. Many of you have already taken a stand with us, and we’re grateful. However, if you haven’t, we urge you to sign our online petition, contact your representatives, and get in touch with the White House. After expressing thanks to the Obama administration for appealing the decision by Judge Crabb, encourage them to wage a vigorous defense in the appeal process. Please ask your friends and family to make their voices heard, as well. Prayer is critical as the appeal moves forward. And to help us keep this campaign before the public, we ask that you consider making a donation via the enclosed card.
In addition, plan to take part in the upcoming NDP Task Force Leadership Summit to be held October 29-31 at the Antlers-Hilton Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. Bishop Harry Jackson will be our featured speaker, and he, along with worship leader Jared Anderson and NDP Task Force coordinators from across America, will gather for an intimate time of prayer, fellowship, and training. Past attendees have commented that the summit is a “priceless resource,” leaving them “informed and inspired.” As someone shared after last year’s gathering, it is uplifting to see so many men and women “unite for one purpose, with one heart, and the same prayer.” Watch for more details about this year’s conference on our website.
Lastly, be sure to mark May 5, 2011, on your calendar now! We will be observing the 60th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer, and I’m delighted to announce that our theme is “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” based on Psalm 91:2, “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” We look forward to expressing the truth that America is still one nation under God, and He is our source of strength.
Thank you so much for coming alongside us as we advance the cause of prayer at this critical juncture. The involvement and financial support of friends like you do much to encourage Americans to come together and share in the privilege of approaching the throne of God – not only on the first Thursday of each May, but throughout the year. We ask for your prayerful consideration of how you might partner with us in the days ahead. In the meantime, may the Lord’s joy and peace be yours.
Every blessing,
Mrs. James C. Dobson (Shirley)
Chairman
National Day of Prayer Task Force
