Today is National Day of Prayer here in the United States. A day established by Congress under the Truman administration in 1952. In his proclamation for the occasion, President Obama writes:
“Prayer has played an important role in the American story and in shaping our Nation’s leaders. President Abraham Lincoln once said,
‘I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day.’”
President Obama’s proclamation goes on to request:
“I invite all citizens of our Nation, as their own faith or conscience directs them, to join me in giving thanks for the many blessings we enjoy, and I ask all people of faith to join me in asking God for guidance, mercy, and protection for our Nation.”
A similar prayer for our nation by Mary Baker Eddy begins,
“Pray for the prosperity of our country, and for her victory under arms; that justice, mercy, and peace continue to characterize her government, and that they shall rule all nations. Pray that the divine presence may still guide and bless our chief magistrate [president], those associated with his executive trust, and our national judiciary; give to our congress wisdom, and uphold our nation with the right arm of His righteousness.”
Barb says
Thanks, Bill, for the reminder to pray for our nation and for all nations. It can be a prayer of gratitude or a prayer in the manner Mary Baker Eddy directed. Brief or not, it can help each and all. Happy National Day of Prayer, Bill! [ Thanks Barb, you too!-Bill ]