Northwoods Apostolic Church

Can we pray together?

We recently held our annual National Day of Prayer (NDP) event.  We have been holding this event for many years.  The NDP became official in 1952, when a bill was passed stating: “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 1988, President Ronal Reagan signed into law the designation of the first Thursday in May as the annual observance.

At our event we prayed for our elected officials of our community, state, nation and our current schools and their officials.  In praying, we came together in unity, not as Democrats or Republicans, not as Catholic’s, Lutheran’s, Presbyterians or Apostolic’s.  Rather, we came together as Christians who are commanded (I Timothy 2:1-3) in the Bible to pray for our government.

A few weeks ago, there was a caption in our local paper highlighting a protest at Stephenson Island against our current administration.  The caption read there were around 200 people at this protest.  How many did we have at our event praying for our government?  Nowhere near 200.  

Matthew 26:40

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Why is this?  We are living at a time when we would rather slander, gossip, cut down and divide than come together and pray and support.  Our protests have turned from those of peaceful and thoughtful reconciliation to anger, outbursts and violence.  

Are we able, as fellow citizens, to put our differences aside and seek God on behalf of our nation?  Is it possible we can change the trajectory of our country by joining together and calling on God?

II Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.