“Our Lord, we belong to you. We tell you what worries us, and you won’t let us fall.” (Psalm 55:22, CEV)
A deep and abiding tradition within our county has been to set aside days for national prayer and contemplation. Going back to the days of Harry Truman, the first Thursday in May has been designated as a National Day of Prayer.
Clergy View: Love God, love others, share in His hope
Just as we are one nation, under God, but made up of many different faith traditions there is no one way to observe this National Day of Prayer. But each of us, in our own way, are called on to participate in this national observance in a spirit of unity and reverence. While at times we feel the strains of national discord and disunity, we can — I hope — agree that there is much within our nation and world that needs prayer.
A proclamation by Governor Walz, on the occasion of a Day of Prayer in years past, invited us to pray for "health and hope, the safe return of loved ones serving overseas, and reconciliation for all." It reminded us that our state has much to be grateful for and give thanks in prayer for: "rich farmland, beautiful lakes, strong families, and an unmatched heritage of hard work, sacrifice, patriotism, innovative ideas, and community service." And it spoke of our common desire to foster in our state and nation "an inclusive, broadminded, and tolerant society." All of which continue to be worthy causes to lift up in prayer again this year. In doing so, we may take comfort that when we posture our hearts in prayer and contemplation, we are heard by our creator and have an assurance in scripture that God will sustain us.
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While it's true that the means of honoring the National Day of Prayer are many, I want you to be aware of one special community celebration that will be taking place May 6 from noon to 1 p.m. on Laurel Street in Brainerd at the Memorial for Veterans located in between the Brainerd Post Office and the courthouse.
Clergy View: Lessons from a baseball hero
The theme for that gathering is "Love, Life and Liberty” and they will be reflecting on 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” During the program, there will be a time of prayer for family, church, workplace, education, the military, government, and arts, media and entertainment. These, too, are worthy causes for us to lift up in prayer, and I have found great value and support in my own prayer life when I gather with other people in prayer like this.
I leave you with the conclusion of the prayer they have written for the occasion, "We pray that America will be united in love to serve You with all our hearts, all our ways, and all of our days. Unite us to pray, love; to live and walk by the Spirit."
May you take the time May 6 to join this group — or in your own way — to join with your fellow citizens in prayer.
