The
National Day of Prayer (36 U.S.C. § 119) is an annual day of observance held on the
first Thursday of May, designated by the
United States
Congress, when people are asked "to turn to God in
prayer and meditation". Each year since its
inception, the
president has signed a proclamation, encouraging all
Americans to pray on this day.
In
an annual tradition that has continued since 1952, President Barack Obama on
Wednesday proclaimed Thursday to be the National Day of Prayer.
He
said," In
the face of tremendous challenges, prayer is a powerful force for peace,
justice, and a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow. Today, as we join together in
fellowship, we seek to see our own reflection in the struggle of others, to be
our brothers' and sisters' keepers, and to keep faith — in one another, in the
promise of our nation, and in the Almighty.
The
Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the President to
issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a
"National Day of Prayer."
Now,
therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, by virtue
of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2015, as a National Day of Prayer. I invite
the citizens of our nation to give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths
and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I join all people of
faith in asking for God's continued guidance, mercy, and protection as we seek a
more just world."
Upper
Room Christian School has observed the National Day of Prayer since the school's inception in 1981! While we begin each morning with the Pledge to the Christian
Flag, Pledge to the American Flag, Preamble to the Constitution of the United
States and Prayer, today we took our elementary student's outside during their
morning devotions time, which is the first period each day, and brought out our
Christian Flags and American Flags, lined up outside On Our Property along Deer Park
Avenue and prayed, worshiped, sang and recited scripture. The presence and favor
of God was tangible and some cars even stopped to watch and even join in. I wish
I had my camera available to take a picture for you to see but we were too
engrossed in what God was doing and this will have to
suffice.
God
is doing great things in your children! Many of our students were engulfed in God's presence
to the point of tears, jubilation and fervor during this special time of prayer.
I encourage you to ask your children to join you in a special time of prayer and see for yourself how
wonderful it is.
We here at Upper Room Christian School are continuing to strive for excellence in spirit, soul and body, ministering to
the whole child so they may be raised up to fully apprehend that for which God
has created them for!
God
Bless You! This day, and everyday.