Every year since 1952, the first Thursday in May is dedicated to prayer.

As Christians, prayer should not just be a spiritual discipline that we exercise on the National Day of Prayer. Rather, prayer should be characteristic of our everyday life.

Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, commands believers to “pray without ceasing.” Again, in Ephesians 6:18, we are commanded to pray “at all times in the Spirit.”

Throughout Scripture, prayer is emphasized again and again as necessary to the life of the believer. Prayer protects the believer against temptation (Matthew 26:41), it postures our hearts towards humbleness and thanksgiving to God (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), and it continually reminds us of our complete dependence on God (Philippians 4:6; Romans 8:26).

Nevertheless, the National Day of Prayer is designed to come together as a community and as a nation to acknowledge our deep reliance upon God.

Today is a day to pray against the spiritual darkness that covers America.

Abortion, transgender ideology, sexual perversion, denial of the family, addictions and hatred of God have permeated the minds and hearts of Americans for decades.

The depth of depravity that we as believers are witnessing in our nation, in our state, and in our communities is deeper than mere political warfare– it is spiritual warfare.

Paul reminds the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 6:12,

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Today is a day to pray for our government leaders that God has sovereignly appointed to rule over us (John 19:11; Romans 13:1). For those who rule wickedly, today is a day to pray for their ultimate repentance of their evil ways (Mark 6:14-29).

Today is a day to pray for the issues facing our nation on a local and global scale such as the wars in Ukraine and Israel, crime, immigration, moral relativism, and economics.

Today is a day to pray that our hearts would be obedient to God’s Word and obedient to that which He has called us. Pray for boldness and clarity in sharing the gospel, the greatest gift God has given to mankind.

Just as Moses interceded for the people of Israel (Exodus 32:30-33; Numbers 14:13-16), let today be a day that you humbly and fervently go to God on behalf of our nation and our communities.

To find a local prayer gathering, click here.