May 2, 2024
Dear Central Church,
Today is the National Day of Prayer. If you’re unfamiliar with this day, it was actually established by Kansas Senator Frank Carlson in 1952. The legislation was simple: The President shall 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 at churches, in groups, and as individuals.
After being signed into law by President Truman, the first Thursday of May has been recognized as a day for civic, business, community, and religious leaders to gather for prayer. The intent is to seek God’s guidance, favor, and blessing upon our communities.
I’ve participated in community gatherings like this for most of my adult life. Every year the sentiment seems to be the same, “If ever we needed prayer, it’s NOW.” People were saying that the year after 9/11. They were saying that when we went to war in Afghanistan and Iraq. They were saying that during the “Great Recession.” Every year the National Day of Prayer rolls around, and we always seem to be in the midst of some crisis that brings the urgency of prayer into sharp focus.
I genuinely hope you take some time to pray for our nation; for our federal, state, and community leaders; and for the church’s faithful engagement with culture. However, I also hope that we make every day a national day of prayer, one driven by a genuine desire to be in relationship with God and not motivated solely by the urgency of current events.
I don’t expect government and civic institutions to pause their regular rhythms to pray every day, but the people of God are called to, “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) The greatest thing we could do to partner with God in his mission is to pray.
Today is the National Day of Prayer, as is tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that…
Don’t Forget: This Sunday we are celebrating Revs. Jonathan and Daniella Julca Melgarejo being hired as full-time Associate Pastors in our Hispanic ministry. Previously, they served in a limited part-time role, but now they are able to step into a new full-time position that was created for them thanks to your generous support of our church. Jonathan will serve as worship leader, and Dani will continue to give leadership in vital areas of this ministry. Together, this is a dynamic ministry team that God is using in amazing ways.
We’ll have a reception for them this Sunday in between the first and second services in the lobby. If you are able, it would be awesome to shower them with gift cards celebrating this big step forward in their pursuit of God’s call on their lives.
Have a great weekend, and I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark