Community Faith and Values

A different National Day of Prayer

By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher

In a normal world, dozens of area residents would gather Thursday evening, May 7, in the Escambia County High School gym. Most would have their Bibles in their hand, some would have electronic devices. And most would have a Scripture note or have a passage marked in their Bible.
And another National Day of Prayer would be held in Atmore.
But this is not a normal world and folks will not gather in person. However, the NDP will not be cancelled or postponed, but it will be different. While some communities across the country are having virtual events (Atmore is not), the National Day of Prayer National Observance Broadcast will take place on May 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. CT. It will be broadcast, streamed and posted in many ways including on the national website (www.nationaldayofprayer.org), seen LIVE on the NDP Facebook page and cross-posted by many ministry partners. It will be viewed on television on GodTV, Daystar, NLC, and BrioTV, and on radio through Moody and Bott Radio Networks.
This year’s theme – “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth” – is based on Habakkuk 2:14, and reminds all that this promise, “for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” is for people today.
Evangelist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and the grandson of Billy Graham, Will Graham will co-host the national observance broadcast with National Day of Prayer Task Force President Kathy Branzell.
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.