National Prayer Day – 1st Thursday in May

National Day of Prayer

Here is an interesting day with a worthy concept.  Joining people of all religions for a day of prayer.
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History of the National Day of Prayer

As with many American customs, the seed of the idea can be traced back to the founding fathers, in this case George Washington proclaimed:
'The Honorable the Congress having recommended it to the United States to set apart Thursday the 6th of May next to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer.
This set the month = May and in 1790 the first Thursday was the 6th. Unfortunately, all George Washington's good intentions seem to have laregly been forgotten until 1952 when President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a National Day of Prayer. In 1982 a Christian organization called the 'National Prayer Committee' was formed to fix the annual day of prayer.  Naturally, they also wished to publicise the events at both local and state levels. The only theological debate in the America of the 18th century would have been on the various sects of Christianity.  But in 1988 the National Day of Prayer positively embraced the other religions, indeed it's aim was to unite in prayers to God.

Dates in May for the National Day of Prayer

2012 - May 3rd 2013 - May 2nd 2014 - May 1st 2015 - May 7th

Contemplations for the National Day of Prayer

Two amusing prayers from the opposite ends of the age spectrum.

Child Says a Prayer for His Sunday Lunch

Brian, An 8-year-old boy, was asked by his father to say thanks for the Sunday dinner. His mother and sisters bowed their heads in expectation. Brian began his prayer by thanking thanking God for his Mommy, Daddy, and sisters. Then he began to thank God for the meal. He gave thanks for the chicken, the stuffing, the pudding, even the bread sauce. Then Brian paused, and everyone waited ... and waited. After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his father and asked, 'If I thank God for the Brussels sprouts, won't he know that I'm lying?'

An Old Man Prays for His Friends

God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, The good fortune to run into the ones that I do, And the eyesight to tell the difference. Footnote: Please send us your funny Christian jokes, short stories or amusing pictures. Next funny Christian story -->

See more Saints Days and other special days in summer:

• World Environment Day quotes   • Wesak Day   • Midsummer's Day   • Lady Day • Special Days   • Canada Day   • St George's Day   • St Swithin's Day • National Day of Prayer   • May Day   • Special day today   • 4th July   • Bastille Day