On the first Thursday of May each year, millions of Christians gather across the United States for the National Day of Prayer. Tomorrow will be no different, as thousands of prayer events have been planned nation-wide. The National Day of Prayer Task Force, an independent, non-profit organization which organizes (Christian) events on the National Day of Prayer, states its mission as follows:
The National Day of Prayer Task Force’s mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.
I can’t say that I disagree with any one part of the Task Force’s mission statement. Every individual is in need of repentance. Prayer is vitally important. The Christian community should pray for the United States and its leadership. That said, I do have some questions,thoughts, and concerns regarding the National Day of Prayer:
- One-Day Event
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
I understand that most Christians do not limit their prayer lives to one day per year. Yet, I am concerned about one single, prayer-focused day. Black History Month, for example, is celebrated each year in schools across the country. African-American culture, leaders, literature, history – all packed into the month of February. Careful planning allows for the discussion of slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement all before the end of the month. To what end? So that Black History can be forgotten for the remainder of the year? Where is Black History in the month of March and April? Shouldn’t Black History be integrated into everyday curriculum in the same manner that White History has been? So, too, should prayer be integrated into our daily lives. So, too, should we emphasize the importance of prayer each and every Sunday in our churches. We must maintain a certain level of prayer “intensity” throughout the year.
- Public Prayer
Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. (Matt 6:5-6a HCSB)
The National Day of Prayer is very public in nature. When I participate in public prayer events this Thursday, can I be sure that my motives are pure? Why is it necessary for Christians to pray in public on this day? What if Christians gathered to pray in basements or in churches instead of around flag poles outside of public buildings? Surely, our prayers are not more effective if done in public. Why pray publically then? The temptation to pray for the wrong reasons becomes too strong. We must take a long, hard look at our motives. One might argue that that millions of Christians gathered to pray in public serves as a great witnessing tool. I am not convinced that prayer should be used as a witnessing tool before an audience.
- Guilty by Association
How do we separate those who are praying out of duty to their civic religion or political party from those who are praying out of an authentic love for Christ? Not only is this day celebrated by Christians (that is, Christ-followers), but also by politicians and the religious.
Be assured that others are watching as we join hands with other professed Christians whom we do not know. They are watching me and the woman standing next to me. We will both be identified as the same brand of “Christians” by on-looking outsiders and non-Christians. I will be judged by her actions and she will be judged by mine. Do you know how she lives her life, what she does with her weekends, what she believes?
- The Nations
And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals; because You were slaughtered, and you redeemed people for God by Your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. (Rev 5:9 HCSB)
I see nothing wrong with praying for one’s own country. That said, Christians must pray for all nations and all people. I remember to pray often for our troops, our leaders, our children, our country. How often do I lift up my own enemies and the enemies of the United States in prayer? Do I pray for their salvation? Do I pray that they would one day experience and accept the love of Christ? Do I truly have a heart for the world and God’s plan for the nations?
Once again, my intention is not to be abrasive with my thoughts and comments, but rather, to encourage dialog. I believe it to be the duty of all Believers in Christ to think critically about anything tagged with the “Christian” adjective. The National Day of Prayer now carries this label. May the Lord be glorified in our prayers tomorrow and all the days that follow.
Loved it? Hated it? Will you participating in National Day of Prayer events this year? How do you remain diligent and disciplined in your prayer life?
Keep it Generic
