The National Day of Prayer is observed on the first Thursday each May, and the day exists for all Americans who would like to participate to turn their hearts to God in prayer and meditation. The theme for 2020 is: “Pray God’s Glory Across America.” And the theme verse is Habakkuk 2:14 (NIV), which says, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
How to Get Involved
While this year’s events and observances may look different because of the impact of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, the day is still an opportunity to offer up prayers for our country and specifically for our local, state and national leaders. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV), the Apostle Paul urges us “… that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
There are a number of ways to get involved with the National Day of Prayer. First, you can set aside time in your day to pray. Find 15-30 minutes to quiet your mind from your daily obligations and pray for your community. Second, you can also join the National Observance Live Broadcast, May 7, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (CST). The National Day of Prayer website also has a resource to find events happening near you. Finally, check with your local church to see if there is a livestream or other type of event to join. Your church may be utilizing Facebook Live, prayer drive-ins, video conferencing or some other means of coming together to pray.
As you personally pray, consider praying for these positions of authority in our country. Pray for God to grant these leaders wisdom and integrity in leading our cities, states and country. If you’d like a list of your government representatives to be able to pray for these individuals by name, click here and enter your home address to generate a list.
Local Government
- Mayor
- City Council
- Police Chief
- Fire Chief
- Judges
- County Officials
State Government
- Governor
- Executive Leaders
- Legislative Leaders
- Judicial Leaders
National Government
- President
- Vice President
- Cabinet Members
- Congressional Leaders
- Supreme Court Justices
Additional Prayer Considerations in Response to COVID-19
In response to COVID-19, please also consider giving a prayer of thanks and protection for our local, first responders, including:
- Medical professionals (Doctors, nurses, EMTs and paramedics)
- Police officers
- Fire fighters
In response to the current global pandemic, please also consider praying for the workers at all the essential businesses who have kept our communities up and running, such as grocery store workers, pharmacy workers, municipal employees and those in transportation. Pray that God would protect these individuals and give them peace in the midst of the storm.
Also, consider praying for the families who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19 or other illnesses during this time. Finally, pray for the millions who have lost their jobs during the global pandemic. Communities across the country and around the world are hurting and need healing. Pray that God would provide for their needs.
Romans 8:18-21 (NIV) speaks to our present struggle.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
We await in eager expectation the glory that God will reveal when Christ returns to redeem the world and call home those who believe in him. Until then, we will “rejoice always, pray continually, [and] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV).
