Today Is Our National Day Of Prayer…..North Dakota Style!!

Today is a special day of celebration----The National Day of Prayer is today the first Thursday of May. People of any faith are welcome to pray for the United States and its leaders on this day. It was created in 1952 and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.  May 1, 2014 will be the 63^rd annual National Day of Prayer.

North Dakotans had their celebration here in Bismarck at the State Capitol Building today from 12Noon-1pm.    Christians from a variety of denominations and walks of life are welcome to meet on Thursday, May 1st, from noon to 1 p.m at Memorial Hall in the state Capitol.  The public was welcome to attend the free event.   And hundreds showed up like last year.

 And speaking of last year, I, JJ, had the great honor of helping Bismarck celebrate by offering my prayer for the media.  It was a great honor to be part of such a special celebration.  And like last year----The Bismarck observance of the National Day of Prayer had prayers for each area of concern, along with music and a welcome by Gov. Jack Dalrymple.  This year’s theme is “One Voice, United in Prayer” highlighted by the verse, “So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

My good friend Larry Jahnke, founding pastor of New Song Church, has organized the Bismarck celebration of the National Day of Prayer for the past three years and coordinated with the Bismarck Ministerial Association and the Rev. LaRue Goetz, representing Prayer Revival Fellowship in Bismarck, for the local observance.    “As scripture states, a house divided will not stand. I believe that Christians unity is a big deal and we must work towards it,” Jahnke said. “How do you bridge the gap and work for common good of the entire nation? Through prayer.”  Those that offered prayers include the Rev. Bob Thune of First Evangelical Free Church, for the church; Mike Seminary, Bismarck city commissioner, for government; Staff Sgt. John Seedorf of North Dakota National Guard for the military; John Lee, owner of Bread Poets, for business; Monseignor James Shea, University of Mary president, for education; Brad Bales--for media; and 12-year-old Maggie Mitzel, from Shiloh Christian School, for family.

The cool thing about prayer is that you can do it anytime, anyplace and anywhere!!  And personally I think God IS Awesome!!