NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Apr 23rd, 2004

This letter will serve as our invitation for your needed presence at the annual celebration of the National Day of Prayer rally Thursday May 6, 2004 at Mobile's Government Plaza 12:00 noon until 1:00 P.M.

The National Day of Prayer, is a vital part of our national heritage.  Since the first call to prayer in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863.  In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer.  In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.  Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.  Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

The National Day of Prayer has great significance for us as a nation.  It enables us to recall and to teach the way in which our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God when faced with critical decisions.  It stands as a call to us to humbly come before God, seeking His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as a people.  The unanimous passage of the bill establishing the National Day of Prayer as a set day, each year, signifies that prayer is as important to our nation today as it was in the beginning.

Please join us as we come together to make this years National Day of Prayer one of the best yet in our county.  We are expecting government officials and church leaders from all over our county.  Police and Fireman of our area are invited as well as local school children. 

This year's theme is Let Freedom Ring inspired by Leviticus 25:10: ".... proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants."  Join us Thursday May 6, 2004 at Mobile's Government Plaza 12:00 noon until 1:00 P.M.

Sincerely,


Pastor David A. Richey
Alabama State Coordinator
National Day of Prayer Task Force