In one week (on May 2) we will observe the National Day of Prayer.  In Leake County, many of us will meet at the Courthouse at noon while others are meeting all over the country, and you are invited.

Throughout our history and especially during tough times, Americans have been urged to pray for our country.  In 1952 a National Day of Prayer was placed into law, and each year Americans have joined together to pray.

Few would deny that our country needs prayer.  We face turmoil, lawlessness, trials, bitterness, fear, and more.  The moral fabric of our country has drastically changed.

Our leaders need our prayers to lead and govern wisely in a God-honoring way.  Our first responders need our prayers as they face the unknown.  Our schools need our prayers to focus on the kind of education that truly propels our children.  Our churches need our prayers to stay focused on Jesus and Him alone.  We need prayer.

Of course, there are many things that need to be done.  Leaders need to lead.  Churches need to be the church.  Individuals need to do what is right.  But when those things are done in our own strength and wisdom, we get what we have.  We need God’s help.  We need God’s guidance.  We need God’s blessing.

What I find amazing is realizing that when we pray, God hears.  We do not deserve that, but God hears.  We get ourselves into the messes we face, but God hears.  And He answers!

It is the reality of the prayer recorded in Psalm 17:6: “I call on You, God, because You will answer me; listen closely to me; hear what I say.”

When the Apostle Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy to encourage him to do what is right and focus on God, he followed up by stating in 1 Timothy 2:1-4: “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be madefor everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  That still is what we need.

So – please pray.  And please join us next week as we gather together to pray.