Some Thoughts on the National Day of Prayer Issue

What do you think is God's take on the National Day of Prayer issue? Is He for it or against it? Is He concerned about more than just one day a year when Americans promote the practice of prayer?

These are questions I have asked myself recently. Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. The National Day of Prayer is a wonderful proclamation every year promoting the practice and the importance of prayer. For the most part, people gather around the nation to talk about the importance of prayer and some actually do some praying. It was first proclaimed by President Lincoln with the idea that Americans were to pray to the one true God of the bible, not just any god of any religion. However, our nation has become proud of its pluralistic beliefs and now it is assumed that this is a day for all religions to pray to their own god. So I really wonder how the one and only true God really feels about a National Day of Prayer where He is just considered one of many gods that people can direct their prayers to? Just a thought!

2. Jesus did not emphasize the practice of public prayer in his ministry. Matter of fact, he scorned at the idea of people praying in public to be seen and recognized by men (Matthew 6:5). Now I know this is not the intent of the National Day of Prayer, but on the other hand it happens. On this day, it is popular for many politicians, pastors, business leaders, and others to come together for the purpose of giving the impression that we are a very patriotic and religious people...to be seen by men. But it is to be a National Day of Prayer - not a national day of patriotism, thanksgiving, fellowship, or even a religious holiday. It is a day when the people of America should really pray to the one and only God who will hear us when we pray according to His Word. Yes, we should pray prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude, but also prayers of confession - especially confession...and petitions and intercessions as well. If we as God's people (Christians) would just take one day and really pray, fast, and cry out to God...can you imagine the power and what might springboard from that?

3. What Jesus taught more than anything was "closet praying" or "private praying." Jesus said Matthew 6:6 "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." Notice the word "secret" it means "hidden." Just the opposite of "public." This does not mean there is not a time and place for prayers to be made in public. However, Jesus says that we as His followers are to be people who constantly practice "hidden prayer." In the next few verses in Matthew, verses 9 through 15, He even gives us an outline to use when we pray hidden away from the world...He teaches us how to pray. How cool is that!

So I wonder...is God more concerned about whether we promote prayer one day a year or whether His people actually practice prayer daily?

Did you know the average Christian in America prays less than five minutes a day? (I doubt if that really increases on the National Day of Prayer.) Ouch!

Oh yes, I know there are some who will say if we aren't careful we might lose our right to pray. And I get that...I would hate that for our nation as well. But sometimes I wonder...if that would be a bad thing? Maybe, then, God's people, would pray more than just a few minutes a day. Maybe, then it we would truly be "hidden prayer" like Jesus wanted us to pray rather than "to be seen of men."

Just some thoughts.

Have a great week!

-Pastor