America: A Nation in Desperate Need of Prayer
by Jody Brown and Allie Martin
March 10, 2004
(AgapePress) - Preparations are under way for this year's National Day of Prayer. Shirley Dobson, chairman of the NDOP Task Force, reminds Americans that if the nation is to receive God's direction during trying times, they must take advantage of the freedom they have to pray openly."Our leaders confront difficult challenges every day and our society faces a future of uncertainty," Dobson says. "We live in the land of the free where 'we the people' can openly call upon God for wisdom, protection, and blessings.
"In order to realize the potential outlined in the Declaration of Independence, we must continue seeking Divine Counsel, asking for His intervention and direction."
According to the Task Force, approximately 40,000 separate NDOP events were held nationwide last year. The activities included prayer breakfasts, Bible-reading marathons, student flagpole gatherings, and concerts of prayer. The event's theme in 2004 is "Let Freedom Ring" -- and Dobson says the opportunity to openly pray should not be missed.
"Some countries do not allow its citizens to elect their leaders, much less express their beliefs according to conscience," she says in a press release. "However, America was built by men and women of deep religious conviction -- and it is privilege to approach the Lord with boldness and without fear of persecution."
Robert Bakke, a member of the Task Force, recently noted to religious broadcasters that this year's observance comes during an election year when marriage is being redefined. "Not since the 1790s has the Church in America been in need of such prayer," Bakke said. "It is the best of times; it is the worst of times."
Speaking at the recent National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville, Bakke said Christians need to pray fervently for America because "crises abound all about us." Still, he said, "we wouldn't want to live in any other moment in all of history than the one we face."
Historically, the most visible event of past NDOP observances has been at the Capitol in Washington, DC, where representatives from all three branches of government and from the military have gathered. Addressing that group this year will be Retired Marine Colonel Oliver North, honorary chairman of the 2004 NDOP.
"Freedom," a gathering of youth from coast to coast, will kick off this year's NDOP the evening before (May 5) with a time of praise, prayer, and outreach. The NDOP Task Force is making available a DVD to assist youth in organizing a local observance. The DVD features the Christian group "Third Day."
