A spokesman for today’s National Day of Prayer tells more about the inspiration for this year’s event.
Vice Chair John Bornschein points out that American troops are still in harm’s way, the economy is weak, and religious freedom is threatened. So Americans are gathering in solidarity to pray for those and other issues. The National Day of Prayer Task Force says it is critical to remain in prayer.
“The theme is ‘One Nation Under God,’ and we chose that because we felt it is very fitting to remind Americans that indeed we are a nation united under God, that by his hand of provision we have been blessed as a people as a direct result,” Bornschein explains. That theme is based off of Psalm 33:12, which says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
And he reports that the annual even really has its roots from 1775.
“Our founders knew that as they were laying the foundations of this nation that they had to remind Americans that we need to give bended knee to almighty God, that we do not have accumulative wisdom sufficient to navigate the challenges of our day, that we need God’s direction and guidance for all leaders within all centers of influence and power in America,” the vice chair asserts.
Since then, there have been about 900 proclamations asking Americans to intercede on their behalf. So Americans are encouraged to attend National Day of Prayer events around the nation. If that is not possible, however, Bornschein says they can pause for a few minutes wherever they are and pray for the country.
As part of the national effort, the Pulse Movement is conducting its own event. (Listen to audio report)
The Pulse Movement, a student-led initiative in response to the urgent needs facing young people, began at the University of North Dakota and has spread onward as a student-led evangelistic and prayer movement. Spokesman Nick Hall says the organization is presenting its second annual UNITE National Day of Prayer gathering tonight.
“Even in the ministry that we do, we always talk with students and say we’re either prayerful or prideful,” he accounts. “It’s so important to remain dependent on God and remember where our power comes from, where our hope comes from.”
According to Hall, a key part of the Pulse Movement is to bring the Body of Christ together in prayer and repentance, seeking God’s response and blessing. Tonight’s UNITE event will be streamed on the Internet.
“Basically, what has happened in our ministry and movement is the students kind of from the ground up have said we want to see multi-generational prayer happen — that God would move across our nation and that we would be able to partner old and young, young and old holding hands, coming to Christ, saying Jesus, we need you to move across denominational lines and across political lines,” the spokesman shares.
Anyone can participate online from 7:00-9:00 p.m. (Central).
