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National Day of Prayer
Is America In Need of Prayer?
By: James Sterling
(Troy, MI) – The National Day of Prayer is almost upon us -1st Thursday
in May - and I have to ask myself one question, is America in need of prayer?
When I consider the fact that we live in ‘thee’ most richest country in the
world; America has the best equipped military, best medical care, best schools
and the list just goes on, c’mon does America really need our prayers!?
I contacted Lori Wagner for some answers. Lori is the Detroit Area Coordinator
for the Troy National Day of Prayer Task Force, whose group has the
responsibility of scheduling the meeting at noon in front of City Hall to
intercede in prayer for such as, “for America; especially for its leadership in
the five primary centers of power: the church, education, family, government and
media,” Below is our exchange of dialogue.
The United States is one
of the richest countries in the world, so why would America need prayer?
Lori: “We do have a wonderful
standard of living in the United States. After traveling to impoverished
nations, I’ve become even more thankful to live in America. I am concerned,
however, that as our nation has prospered materially, we have lost out on the
true riches. How many of our families have remained intact? Do our children feel
secure? What about honesty, integrity, respect, loyalty, the sanctity of human
life? These cannot be purchased no matter how affluent the society.”
If Churches are God’s
houses of worship & prayer, and its members most likely pray for their leaders,
why will the Troy National Day of Prayer Task Force be promoting prayers for
Church leaders?
Lori: “Light particles scattered
throughout a room dispel darkness … but if you have these particles focused as
one, like a laser, now you have a powerful tool. When we unite in prayer, there
is a synergy that happens. Millions will join across the nation to pray on the
National Day of Prayer. What an awesome potential for good. Our leaders need our
prayers and support. They carry heavy weights upon their shoulders, and they
need to know we care and appreciate them.”
The U.S. Constitution and
Bill of Rights guarantees America’s freedom of the press; the media exercises
these rights with seemingly little constraint, so is it really necessary to pray
for the media?
Lori: “Yes! Journalists have tough
jobs, and they are often forced into difficult and dangerous situations. They
need God’s grace and strength to keep them from the many pitfalls and potential
dangers of their profession. Personally, I pray for discernment for our news
reporters, and that they would know and report unbiased truth without
sensationalism and editorializing.
And we can’t forget that the media isn’t just the news, it includes television
programming, radio, internet, etc. These are all wonderful assets when used
properly, but they are also used to promote violence, drug use, pornography,
infidelity, and the list goes on. Predators and thieves use the internet to prey
on the unsuspecting... all good candidates for divine intervention.”
Troy schools goes without
saying - that they are among the countries best schools- why do they need our
prayers?
Lori: “In our modern culture, it
seems there are no absolutes transmitted to our kids. What can they hold on to?
Without structure and boundaries, there is no security. Today’s young people
need our prayers. They need to know that there are absolutes and values that
make our lives worth living. In a world that says, “It’s all about me,” our kids
need to know that there is no fulfillment in living out this motto. True
happiness comes from serving others, from giving of yourself and being a part of
something bigger than you are. If I was a teacher in the Troy school district, I
would be so thankful to know that I was being upheld in prayer … that people
were asking God to grant me wisdom, strength and sensitivity to meet the needs
of those entrusted in my care.”
Lori concludes with:
“One of the most important things that prayer does is to adjust our
perspective. It’s not just asking God to move on our behalf: it’s also about
being changed by Him so that we can affect our world.
The National Day of Prayer is a great opportunity for people to “get on the same
page” spiritually. Reaching across denominational lines, acknowledging our
dependence on Almighty God, and collectively beseeching Him on behalf of our
families, communities, our nation and our world … that’s what the National Day
of Prayer is about.”
Folks, does America need our prayers? Yes, indeed!
I thank Lori Wagner for taking the time to share with us some very good reasons
to turn out on the 1st Thursday of May at Troy City Hall to pray for our
country, our community and our precious children.
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