"In presidential terms we owe the National Day of Prayer to Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan. Truman signed the day into law in 1952, and Reagan amended the law in 1988 to state the day would be observed the first Thursday in May. In theological terms we owe the National Day of Prayer to God, who invites our prayers no more on this day than any other with which we are gifted. This is a day that has been named in a special way in our national life, so when we attend to our prayers today, it’s worth noting the example of prayer given to us by Peter in Acts 11:1–18."
Read the rest of the Minute for Mission.
Here's a prayer for the National Day of Prayer. It has appeared, without attribution, in numerous publications of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, most recently in Justice and Peace Shall Kiss.
Grant us, O God, a vision of this nation as your love would have it:
a nation where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor;
a nation where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;
a nation where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect;
a nation where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love.
Grant us, O God, a vision.
Give us the inspiration and courage, wisdom and faith to live into that vision,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.