It may be the National Day of Prayer, but we need God year round

The National Day of Prayer was established in July of 1952 by Congressional designation, under President Harry S. Truman's administration, when people were asked to:

"...set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation."

It was only changed to the first Thursday of May during President Reagan's tenure in the White House. Still, it requires the president to sign a National Day of Prayer proclamation each year...

But in the intervening years, prayer has been removed from our national institutions. I remember entering the public school system in the late 70's, when prayer in school was still commonplace (along with reciting the Pledge of Allegiance each morning). Sadly, the National Day of Prayer attracts attention nowadays because prayer has become the exception rather than the rule. It simply didn't stand out when I was growing up.

With all of this said, prayer is one of the most powerful weapons (along with the Word of God) we have as Christians in an increasingly fallen world.

Mark 11:24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

And in a sea of misinformation and disagreement, we should pray for wisdom...

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

The best place to encourage prayer for our nation is at home, with our families. There is strength in numbers.

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

And when we pray, it should be without doubt. Doubt can undermine our faith and weaken our prayers...

James 1:6 "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

Prayer on the first Thursday of May each year is a great start but if we're going to reverse where our nation is headed, we need God at all times, 365 days a year.

Thanks to Raska Wealth Management, for being the official sponsor of the Rise & Shine show with Sam Cruze Monday-Friday from 6-9 am