Eric Reece
Our National Day of Prayer – a day when we are asked to "Turn to God in prayer and meditation" – is Thursday, May 7.
The tradition was established 75 years ago, when President Harry S. Truman signed a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer on April 17, 1952. Truman was a lifelong Baptist who prayed daily and was well versed in the Holy Bible. He often used the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) in making decisions.
I spoke to World War II veterans who voiced gratitude and admiration to Truman for ending the War in the Pacific. In 1952, our nation was involved in the Korea conflict. At home, the polio epidemic was raging – reaching terrifying levels. This was one of the few times public gatherings were forbidden, including closing schools, movie theaters, churches and camp ,eetings.
The Rev. Billy Graham had met Truman in 1950. Early in 1952, he spoke of the hope of having a time of our nation being united in prayer.
Rev. Graham said, "What a thrilling, glorious thing it would be to see the leaders of our country today kneeling before Almighty God in prayer. What a thrill would sweep this country. What renewed hope and courage would grip the Americans at this hour of peril."
When the King of Nineveh heard the prophet Jonah’s call to repentance, he stepped down from his throne, took off his royal robes and put on sackcloth (a symbol of humility and mourning). He decreed for all the people to fast from food and water and pray. His hope was God’s mercy would save his people if they turn from their evil ways. God saw their repentance, forgave them and the people were saved.
In the past, our Congress and Presidents have called the nation to prayer. The Continental Congress called for prayer during the Revolutionary War. Presidents from George Washington on down recognized the need for prayer. Most notably, Abraham Lincoln who called for national prayer throughout the Civil War.
It was Congressman Percy Priest from Tennessee who agreed with Rev. Graham. The House and Senate introduced a joint resolution calling for an annual 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."
The bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer states that each year, the president proclaims the day. This year the theme is,” Glorifying God Among The Nations - Seeking Him In All Generations.”
The scripture text is 1 Chronicles 16:24, “Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.”
This verse is part of a prayer by King David after the Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The people worshiped God, celebrated, had dinner on the ground and – after David’s prayer – all the people said, “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.”
This May 7, let us all pray for the healing of our nation.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.