60th Annual National Day of Prayer Today

Special Report - May 5, 2011
Today, millions of Americans will exercise their constitutional right to gather in their homes, offices, churches, and on public property to pray for the United States and its leaders in recognition of the 60^th annual National Day of Prayer (NDP). The annual event has an added significance this year, thanks to an April ruling by a federal appeals court, which upheld the NDP as constitutional (for more on the ruling, see our previous story). In honor of the event, Gov Governor Beverly Perdue has issued an official proclamation recognizing the NDP in North Carolina. It states in part that, “the State of North Carolina joins our nation in remembering in our thoughts and prayers the victims of natural and manmade disasters, members of our Armed Forces, our fellow citizens struggling during this economic downturn, people in war-torn regions of the world, the sick and suffering, as well as children in North Carolina, our nation and across the globe.” The proclamation also urges North Carolinians “to join together in their homes and places of worship to pray for the unity of the hearts of all mankind, and to continue in prayer for our State and our nation.”

On April 29, President Obama also issued an NDP proclamation, in which he acknowledged the important role of prayer in American history. “Throughout our history, Americans have turned to prayer for strength, inspiration, and solidarity. Prayer has played an important role in the American story and in shaping our Nation’s leaders,” the president stated in the proclamation. “It is thus fitting that, from the earliest years of our country's history, Congress and Presidents have set aside days to recognize the role prayer has played in so many definitive moments in our history.” 

There are thousands of NDP events planned in communities across the nation today, including in cities across North Carolina (for a list of events in North Carolina, go here). The theme of this year’s NDP is, “A mighty fortress is our God,” based on Psalm 91:2, which reads: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in Whom I trust.” Joni Eareckson Tada, an international advocate for people with disabilities, is the 2011 honorary chairman.

In a statement, Michael Calhoun, Director of Communications for the NDP Task Force said, “Since the days of our founding fathers, prayer has been an indispensable part of our heritage. We must remain faithful in our commitment to intercede on behalf of our nation, and its leaders, especially at this challenging time.”

Related Resources:
National Day of Prayer Upheld - April 18, 2011
National Day of Prayer Is Legal - March 31, 2011
Attorney General Joins Prayer Brief - July 16, 2010
NCFPC Joins Day Of Prayer Brief - July 7, 2010
Pray For Our Nation Today - January 12, 2009
Judge Says No National Day Of Prayer - April 19, 2010

Copyright © 2012. North Carolina Family Policy Council. All rights reserved.