NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, 2002
Thursday (May 2, 2002) is the annual National Day of Prayer (NDP). NDP is an annual event established by an act of the United States Congress which encourages Americans to pray for their nation, its people and its leaders. The NDP Task Force concentrates on the need to pray for those in leadership on all levels of national, church, and educational areas of influence. For more information about NDP, see their web site at: http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/
This year’s theme: “America United Under God”
The following is a list of what to pray for (from the National Day of Prayer web site):
What to Pray for?
THROUGH THIS PRAYER GUIDE, you will have an opportunity to petition God on behalf of our leaders and those who are in authority over us, as we are instructed to do in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. As you humbly come before the Lord and seek His face, please pray that these men and women will be granted divine wisdom, guidance, and strength to fulfill their important roles.
Pray for Federal Leaders
President: George W. Bush
Vice President: Dick Cheney
Secretary of State: Colin Powell
Secretary of Defense: Donald Rumsfeld
Secretary of the Treasury: Paul O’Neill
Attorney General: John Ashcroft
Secretary of the Interior: Gale Norton
Secretary of Agriculture: Ann Veneman
Secretary of Commerce: Don Evans
Secretary of Labor: Elaine Chao
Secretary of Transportation: Norman Mineta
Secretary of Energy: Spencer Abraham
Secretary of Education: Rod Paige
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Anthony Principi
Secretary of Health & Human Services: Tommy Thompson
Secretary of Housing & Urban Development: Mel Martinez
Secretary of Homeland Security: Tom Ridge
All Branches of the Armed Forces
U.S. Supreme Court
Pray for State Leaders
U.S. Senator
U.S. Representative
Governor
Lt. Governor
State Senator
State Representative
State Supreme Court Justices
Pray for Local Leaders
County Officials
Court Officials
City Officials
Judges
Mayor
Police Department
Fire Department
School Authorities (public & private)
Why Pray?
We need to pray because the Bible commands us to (Matthew 6:5; Romans 12:12; 1 Thess 5:17). Prayer is how we communicate with God and participate in His works. It grants us the privilege of experiencing God, keeps us humble before Him, strengthens the bonds between believers and can succeed where other means have failed.
Why Pray For Our Nation?
God answers the prayers of His people, and in 2 Chronicles 7:14, He specifically emphasizes the importance of praying for our nation. Ask the Lord to bring about spiritual renewal across America. Pray that people will turn to Him and seek His will for our land.
Why Pray For Our Leaders?
The Bible instructs us to pray for “all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:2). Pray that our leaders will seek God and endeavor to serve Him in a manner that is worthy of their positions of influence.
Why Pray For Our Communities?
Intercessory prayer has the power to change the place where you live. It is time that we took back our communities for the sake of God’s Kingdom and covered them with our humble petitions. Pray for your own city or town, asking God to bless your efforts to reclaim your neighborhood in His name.
Why Pray For Our Families?
God designed the family to be a place of love, support, spiritual growth, and, of course, prayer. Now is the time to pray for this holy institution, which is currently under attack in our country. Ask the Lord to bring peace, guidance and healing to families that are struggling every day.
Why Pray For Our Youth?
The youth of today will grow up to lead Twenty-first-century America. Each day conflicting moral standards, violence, and the latest media scandals bombard them. In the midst of this turmoil, God is raising up an army of young people. Ask the Lord to make them bold and steadfast in their faith.
What Else Can We Pray About?
Churches and Ministry Organizations
Ask God to help them:
Stand strong in their convictions
Be bold in their witness
Meet America’s spiritual needs
Be a place of hope and healing
The Imprisoned and Persecuted
Ask God to help them:
Endure their hardships
Find joy in the midst of trials
Encourage one another
Find comfort in their faith
Mass Media, Cultural and Social Services
Ask God to help them:
Reflect godly values in their work
Be accurate and fair in their presentations
Place a high value on truth and decency
Be responsible with their influence
The Family
Ask God to help families:
Commit to the permanence of marriage
Serve one another in love
Be dedicated to each other
Restore broken relationships
Personal Renewal and Moral Awakening
Ask God to help us:
Confess our sins
Seek His direction
Rely on Him instead of ourselves