5 May, 2011

Who Do You Trust?

Today’s Story – Who Do You Trust?NDOP

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (April 29, 2011) – Earlier today, the White House released President Barack Obama’s Presidential Proclamation marking the 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer, which will take place on Thursday, May 5th.  In his proclamation, Barack Obama recognizes the important role that prayer has played in the United States, saying, “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 2011 National Day of Prayer has special significance due to a recent court ruling by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals, which affirmed the constitutionality of the law requiring the President to proclaim a National Day of Prayer each year.  The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, based in Chicago, ruled 3-0 that the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) and its plaintiffs do not have standing to continue their challenge of the 1952 congressional act declaring an annual National Day of Prayer.

Michael Calhoun, Director of Communications for the National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force said, “Since the days of our founding fathers, prayer has been an indispensible 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.”

Millions will answer the call to prayer on May 5th and organized events will be held in thousands of public venues where citizens will unite in prayer for America and its leadership.  This year’s theme, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” is based on Psalm 91:2, which states, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org .

About the National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer.  In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.

Story and photo courtesy of nationaldayofprayer.org
God’s Story:
Psalm 91:2 (NIV)

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

What does today’s God’s Story teach us about whom we trust?
The Lord is a Refuge.  He is a Fortress.  He is my God.  In Him will I trust.  This verse is short, yet so concise on why we should trust God.  

How can we connect today’s God’s Story to our lives?
Our world sometimes seems to be out of control.  Floods, earthquakes, heavy winds, wars, unemployment and high gas prices seem to be on the front page of newspapers and news blogs.   Where’s the good news?  How can we not feel defeated or down?  Psalm 91:2 reminds us very simply that God is our Refuge and Fortress.  Whew!  I feel better already after just reading that.

How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
Don’t let the enemy (satan) distract you from the big picture.  God is still in control!  

Find Refuge & Fortress – use your relationship with Christ to bring others closer in their walk to the Lord.  He’s our Comforter.  Our Shelter.  When they see that you run and seek Him in good and difficult times, they will realize you’re definitely real.

Use today’s National Day of Prayer to lift up those in authority over us.  Think locally (mayors, town boards), state-wide (governors and state government), and federal (President Obama, Congress, the Senate, Federal Judges, etc.).  

Pray for our country and the world to seek the face of God.  Ask God to use you to accomplish His will.  It’s all a matter of trust!

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