The National Day of Prayer – Why Is This Important To Me?

May 2nd is the National Day of Prayer. Established in 1952, the purpose of the day was in response to the public reaction of perceived threats from the Korean War. The 2nd Continental Congress had previously dedicated days of fasting and prayer as did President John Adams in 1798 and 1799. The purpose of the National Day of Prayer bill from 1952 from their website:

The President shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.

In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed an amended bill designating the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. As Catholics, every day is a day of prayer so does the National Day of Prayer still have the impact it may have had in its early days? Let’s take a look.

Has The National Day of Prayer Helped Us?

I believe any increase in prayer is a good thing for the individuals and for society as a whole. God knows this world we live in needs prayer, and we need to connect to God more desperately than ever before. Too many people spend much of their time worshipping fame, money, and other forms of idolatry. Designating a specific day for prayer will no doubt be pleasing to God, and we pray for the opportunity that this can lead to a deeper connection and a richer prayer experience for all. While society in general looks down on God-loving people, especially Catholics, it is up to us to encourage people to get back to prayer, to get back to church, and most importantly, get back to God. Mahatma Gandhi has said:

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

How Should I Pray?

That is an excellent question. Too often people think there is a required structure, specific words, or some other requirement to pray to our God. There isn’t. Like any relationship that grows, we need to have frequent conversations with God. Establishing a daily prayer schedule can help with this, but you have to commit to prayer and find what works for you. Are you a morning person? If so prayer in the morning may work well. If not try and find the best time for you to settle in for some quiet time with God. Open your heart to God and it is very important that you try and clear your mind and listen. God speaks to us in many ways; a voice, a thought, a feeling, and often through others. The last sentence that Gandhi stated is very important:

“It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

Paul says in Romans 8: 26-27:

In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.

Prayer Keeps Us Centered

In a world that is always changing and one centered on values that are radically different than Jesus’ teaching, we need prayer to keep us centered. The National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for us to recommit to prayer for those that have established a daily prayer structure, and the opportunity to start praying regularly for those that lack that structure. What’s most important is to find what works for you, commit to the time with Jesus, and keep that time as often as you can. If you don’t know what to say to God then let your heart do the talking via the Spirit. Always listen for His response and understand he will use any means possible to communicate with you. If prayer starts to become stale or you do not feel a connection to God, change it up a bit to see what works, but do not abandon it. This is our lifeline to God. Happy National Day of Prayer!

Do you pray regularly? Do you feel a connection to God in prayer? have you made changes that have resulted in a deeper connection with God? I encourage you to share your experiences as they may very well help others who may be struggling with similar challenges. Please add your thoughts into the comments section. All comments are welcome and I will respond.

Peace