National Day of Prayer: 70 Years of Prayer for America

Let's lift our voices together in Priority Prayer for All Those in Authority on this coming National Day of Prayer.

View this email in your browser Targeted Prayer Thursday, March 29th, 2021 Greetings to One and All! For this month's Targeted Prayer theme, we want to rally around the National Day of Prayer. I have personally been involved in the National Day of Prayer in one way or another for over 4 decades. Honestly, whether you live in the United States, or some other nation, I encourage you to adapt these principles into an application that is appropriate for your own nation, state or province. The following is a brief description of the foundation for this day of governmental intercession. The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America's leaders and its families. The National Day of Prayer represents a Judeo-Christian expression of the faith, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer in reverence for the God of the Bible and with a desire to see its continuance. Praying for our Nation, James W. Goll GEM Staff and Team The National Day of Prayer With James W. Goll "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." Acts 6:4 NKJV The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our rich heritage. Because of the faith of many of our founding fathers, public prayer and national days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation for a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. A Historic Joint Resolution In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual National Day of Prayer. The Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in Marsh vs. Chambers (1983). In 1988, the law was properly amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year was significant indeed as all 50 state governors plus the governors of several of the U.S. territories signed similar proclamations. Priority Prayer Why should we pray for those who are in authority? I see two reasons in 1 Timothy 2:1–4: (1) "so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity" and (2) so that God can bring those in authority—as well as those under their authority—to Himself. He "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." I once heard the late international Bible teacher, Derek Prince, expand on this. He said that it doesn't matter what plans, systems, or programs you devise; if you bypass prayer, you will not have power to carry them out. He compared prayer-less intentions to a building that is wired for electricity but not connected to a power source; so, nothing will work, even if the wires are in good order and the light fixtures are beautiful. Our power-source is prayer, and we are enjoined in the Bible to pray in particular for "kings and all in authority," for good government and for wise leadership. Why? So that (1) we might have peace and order, (2) for the propagation of the Gospel, and (3) because God desires all men to be saved. Another reason we should pray for those who are in authority is simply to be obedient to the will of God. It's clear that He wants us to pray for those in authority. He also wants us to obey them, as far as it is possible to do so. If you "do good," as Romans 13:1–7 says, you will have no need to be fearful of the authorities. A Courtroom Experience I had an interesting experience that illustrates this point very well. When my children were younger and we first moved to Franklin, Tennessee, I had to make a lot of hurried trips to the school to pick up our youngest daughter from basketball practices. Once I was running late and I was speeding. (I'd like to be able to say that I was too new to the area to know the speed limit, but it was posted clearly.) Wouldn't you know, a siren went off, and I got pulled over. I'm sure I tossed up some quick "mercy" prayers, you know—"God, have mercy!…" I didn't want to become upset, so I decided to be really, really nice to the policeman... Continue Reading... Read more Scripture Based Prayer A Prayer for Those in Authority We pray that all of those in authority would realize and recognize their personal inadequacy to fulfill their role and that You would release to them a revelation of dependency upon God. We pray that You would reverse the trends of socialism and humanism in this nation, all trends that deify man rather than God. Lord, as this nation and different nations go into critical times, we pray for Your priorities to be released, revelation to come of the honor of being a public servant. We pray that there would be a reliance upon the Word of God, the Will of God, and the Ways of God as the source of daily strength, wisdom, and courage. We pray that there would be a restoration of dignity and honor, trustworthiness and righteousness in the land. We also pray for our spiritual leaders. We pray for our pastors, apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers. We pray blessings and protection over them. We pray for purity. We pray for the quality of life in their families. We bless those in authority this day and we declare that this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, our Savior who desires all men and women to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. We thank You for them in Jesus' great name. Amen and Amen! You can find more information on The National Day of Prayer at – www.nationaldayofprayer.org Video Message Praying for People in Authority With James W. Goll Scripture commands us to pray for kings and all those in authority so that we may live peaceful and ordered lives and so all people may be saved. It is not a time to merely listen to the wisdom of scriptures and church fathers and go about our lives. We are called to take our position as watchmen on the walls with prayer.  Watch the Video Audio Message Puritan Prayer History Dr. George Grant Dr. George Grant, founder of Franklin Classical School and Senior Pastor of Parish Presbyterian Church also in Franklin, TN, brings us a powerful message from a historical perspective on the background of the Puritan Prayer history and the United States of America. I personally wept during half of this message as it riveted my being so much. Listen and let this message penetrate your heart. It will imprint upon you the power and necessity of intercessory prayer. Listen to the Message Featured Resources Prayer Storm - Curriculum Kit By James W. Goll This class lands you directly inside the exciting worldwide call to consistent, persistent prayer. You will be immersed in stirring up your own personal prayer storm that involves four expressions of prayer for: revival in the church, the greatest youth awakening ever, Israel – and for all the descendents of Abraham, and God's intervention in times of major crises. Curriculum Kit - Regular price $215 - Sale Only $79 Save 63% Buy Now The Feeler Book By James W. Goll This book delivers a remarkable biblical perspective on our emotions and how they help us to discern and act on God's voice. We experience the love, joy, and presence of God with our feelings. Our emotions have an impact on our bodies, our level of holiness, our relationships, and our decisions. The Feeler will show you how to listen for and recognize the often subtle ways God's Spirit speaks to believers, as well as how to discern good and evil spirits. Soft Cover Book - Only $16 Hard Cover Signed Edition - Only $27 Buy Now Thank You for Your Support Thank you for helping us to equip and mobilize the body of Jesus Christ by teaching and imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry, and life in the Spirit. For any gift given to God Encounters Ministries, you'll receive a Free MP3 Download of The Healing Presence. Online: Click Here to Donate Online Text GIVE to 615-214-7073 Checks: to God Encounters Ministries, PO Box 1653, Franklin, TN 37065 Phone: 1-877-200-1604 Donate Online Now Copyright © 2021 God Encounters Ministries, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive email updates from James W. Goll. Our mailing address is: God Encounters Ministries PO Box 1653 Franklin, TN 37065 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.