NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Mark 1:35 (PH)

In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went to a deserted place and PRAYED there.

Nothing tends more to cement the hearts of Christians than praying together. Never do they love one another so well as when they witness the outpouring of each other's hearts in prayer. — Charles Finney

Today, May 5^th is the National Day of Prayer.

Radio stations are dedicated to it with awareness and all day prayer opportunities.

I am preparing right now to head to one of the Kettering Health Network sites here in Ohio to share a little on our opiate challenge, our CHAMPIONS and to PRAY with a couple hundred folks.

Others will line courthouse steps and parks gathering to pray.  And yes while today is IMPORTANT as we remember to pray, and yes Finney can’t be MORE RIGHT in his assessment of what PRAYER does to those gathered together to pray, it can’t stop here.  

Don’t let it.  

Start today and continue praying!

For Paul encouraged THIS sort of praying…

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (LB)

Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

And early in the morning as Mark recorded, Jesus took the time to PRAY.

So perhaps today, this National Day is your catalyst to again be intentional in your prayer life.  Maybe today is the catalyst to develop a NEW constancy as Paul implores.

A little quote I came across and used in a talk recently says:

“Let us never forget to pray. God lives. He is near. He is real. He is not only aware of us but cares for us. He is our Father. He is accessible to all who will seek Him.”

So true.

He loves for us to talk with Him, share with Him, lean on Him, ask of Him, to trust in Him, give of our time and hearts to Him.

So don’t be shy.  Pray.

He is here.

Find a local gathering and join them in prayer. He is there.

Pause in your cubicle and jot down a few of the names of those you know need prayer and pray.

Got a long drive today?  Maybe turn off the NPR or the ESPN and do a little praying.

Maybe you have a church bulletin like a couple of places I have been recently that outlines the needs of the body.  Next time you get one of those tuck it in your pocket and at lunch, pray for them through the week!

Warren reminds us…

“The more you pray, the less you'll panic…

I agree!

So will you join the nation today?

And let's pray.

I love you all!

Opportunities for Hope (Champions Charge)