Tens of thousands of prayer events are planned across the country on Thursday May 1, 2008 to honor the 57th Annual National Day of Prayer. In churches, parks and on courthouse steps, citizens will be praying for our nation; government leaders, media, military, schools, churches, businesses and families.

The Christian Ministerial Association of the Foothills is sponsoring Auburn’s 11th annual National Day of Prayer this Thursday, May 1st at 12 pm at the Clocktower in downtown Auburn (Lincoln and High). There will be a short service followed by the opportunity for a Prayer Walk as we intercede for the political leaders and pressing issues of our city, county, state, and nation. For more information you may call the First Baptist Church of Auburn at 885-8458.

Next Thursday on May 8th, CMAF will be sponsoring another NDP event, The Auburn Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Reservations must be received by Mon. 5/5 by calling First Baptist Church.

“This is a critical time to be in prayer for America. The biblical principles upon which our country was founded are under attack in every segment of society,” said Shirley Dobson, Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. “At no other time in the last 80 years has a sitting President and/or Vice President not been a candidate for re-election. We pray God will raise righteous leaders for our country.”

This year’s theme, “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield” is based on Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." The Lord hears and responds to His children’s cry for help. He is their strength, refuge, and courage in our personal and national times of suffering, despair and loss.

Chairman Shirley Dobson is announcing Ravi Zacharias as the 2008 Honorary Chairman. On Thursday, May 1, he will address the National Observance at the Cannon House Office Bldg. and the Pentagon celebration, both in Washington, DC. President of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, he is also an acclaimed Christian scholar, apologist, author and speaker. In honor of National Day of Prayer, he has authored the book, “Is There Not a Cause”, which links the story of Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem to the task that Christ has given us today to reach the lost.

About the National Day of Prayer:

Recognizing that prayer has been and continues to be an integral part of our nation’s history, Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952. This observance is currently held on the first Thursday each May, when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publicly to worship and pray for our land. Visit nationaldayofprayer.org to learn more.