There is no doubt that our country is facing many serious
problems today: American soldiers dying in Afghanistan and Iraq,
homelessness, drug abuse, high unemployment, schools, cities and
counties facing painful budget cuts
– the list could continue.
There is no doubt that our country is facing many serious problems today: American soldiers dying in Afghanistan and Iraq, homelessness, drug abuse, high unemployment, schools, cities and counties facing painful budget cuts – the list could continue.
For those who put trust in God to see us through these challenges, a special event is being held in Morgan Hill, the South Valley National Day of Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 3. Christians from many traditions will gather at the Crossroads Christian Center Gym, 145 Wright Ave., for an inspiring morning.
Many church leaders from the communities of Morgan Hill, Gilroy, San Martin, Hollister and San Juan Bautista will be taking part in the reading of Scripture and directed prayers on the topics related to local, state and federal issues as well as on behalf of families, marriages, youth, college students, churches and pastors. Included will be prayer for the military, local schools and businesses, and those struggling with personal issues.
Music will be provided by Greg Quirk and his worship team from South Valley Community Church in Gilroy. The event starts at 7:30am with a continental breakfast, followed by prayer in small groups around tables, and ends at 9am. The coordinator for this year’s event is Scott Tuttle, Youth Pastor at Crossroads Christian Center. There is no cost for the breakfast, but donations will be accepted.
President George W. Bush has proclaimed May 3 the 56th annual National Day of Prayer. In his proclamation, he said: “I ask the citizens of our nation to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith, for the freedoms and blessings we have received and for God’s continued guidance, comfort and protection. I invite all Americans to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”
In Washington D.C., the National Observance will take place at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill. Featured speakers will include Dr. Charles Swindoll, Dr. James Dobson and Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice James W. Smith.
The idea of a National Day of Prayer predates the nation itself because the Continental Congress set aside a day of prayer in 1775. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a day of “prayer, fasting and humiliation.” President Harry Truman signed a resolution passed by Congress in 1952 that initiated the modern observance.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated the first Thursday in May as the official National Day of Prayer. Now, each year the president signs a proclamation asking people in the nation to come together to pray for our country.
