In 1952, Congress passed a bill that directs the President to declare one day each year as a National Day of Prayer, encouraging the people of the United States to “turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.” (Public Law 82-324, Sec. 119)
May 2, 2024 marks the 73rd annual National Day of Prayer, and the NDP Task Force chose “Lift Up the Word, Light Up the World” as its theme, focusing on 2 Samuel 22:29-31.
For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens the darkness, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuse in him. (ESV)
Ambassador International asked three of our authors who have written books on the topic to offer some thoughts on the power and practice of prayer. We trust that their words serve to encourage and inspire your own prayer life. Watch our social media space throughout the month of May, as we continue the theme of practicing a meditative walk with the Lord.
Prayer is Transformation
By Reverend John Clark Mayden, Jr.
Through God, prayer is transformational! James 5:16b echoes this statement: The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Our prayers have an impact.
My demanding six-year ordination process has given me a front-row seat to God’s move through prayer. Initially, I failed my preliminary theological exam twice, which delayed my being ordained. On the verge of quitting, ” I am not cut out for this,” were the words that circulated through my mind and arrested my spirit. However, the Lord prompted me to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and move forward.
Gradually, the Holy Spirit began to change me. I started to see these challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper Christian discipleship. My mindset changed, and I had a positive outlook on my struggle.
The Good News is that prayer is a vehicle the Lord uses to transform our lives. Set aside time every day to make this journey to God. We will experience God’s life-altering move.
It is reassuring to know that our prayers are not brushed aside. We are changed to handle the circumstances in our lives. Things may not improve immediately, but we must seek God in prayer. Prayer is effective and meaningful!
About the Author: Rev. John Clark Mayden, Jr. is the author of Prayer: The Most Reliable Wireless Communication. He is a Christian and the proud pastor of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Upperco, Maryland. He is married to Kirstyn, and the two have one daughter, Naomi. They reside in Baltimore, Maryland. Rev. Mayden is the author of four books: Breaking the Barriers: 31 Keys to Experience Inner Peace (2018), Breaking the Barriers: Keys to Unlocking Inner Peace (2015), The Victorious Life Prayers for Every Season of Life (2010), and Prayers for the People: A Book of Prayers for All People (2009).
Prayer Journaling
By Rosie J. Williams
I used to cringe when people would talk about being more disciplined with my “prayer life.” When I learned how to write and illustrate my prayers in a creative way, the connection with my Heavenly Father became intimate, personal, and life changing. Here are some ideas:
- Read a passage of Scripture. Psalms or Proverbs is a good place to start. As you meditate, ask the Lord to show you how this applies to your life. Pray the words over yourself, your family, and others.
- Get the YouVersion Bible app and sign up to receive a verse for the day to jump start your prayer time. Search for my Repurposed Faith Quiet Time Challenge (ten days) on YouVersion.
- When I started journaling, I learned modern calligraphy and lettering. Mixing and matching lettering and images sparks your God-given creativity. Dayspring offers many varieties of prayer journals. My favorite, Lettering Prayer Journal by Krystal Whitten, offers demonstrations on YouTube.
- “And when you pray, go into your room, and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6
About the Author: Rosie Williams is the author of Repurposed Faith: Breathing New Life Into Your Quiet Time. Rosie utilized her degree in Family and Child Development as a case manager, program director, and business owner. Rosie and her husband Steve work with Point Man International Ministries, a Christian organization for veteran families. She blogs at rosiejwilliams.com and has contributed to Faith Deployed Again; NIV, Military Wives’ New Testament With Psalms and Proverbs; and the Military Families Bible. The Williams have three adult sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren.
Ask, Seek, and Knock
By Curt Richards
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7-12 NIV)
These are my favorite verses on prayer. I have never interpreted these words of Jesus to mean that all my request will be granted. When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, he explained that prayer was a continuous act. He was instructing his disciples how to develop a lifestyle built around active communication with the Father.
These words, ask, seek, and knock are words of action. I take this passage to mean that our prayer life should create in us a vigorous desire to communicate with God. We should ask God to develop in us a loving heart and to open doors as we seek opportunities to show our love to others.
About the Author: Curt Richards is the author of Misguided Passions and the Lord’s Prayer. He is a retired public school teacher from the Upstate of South Carolina. He has taught various science courses for thirty-eight years ranging from middle school to college. During his career, Richards has mentored numerous teachers and practice teachers. He feels that there is no higher calling than to guide young people as well as adults through their education. In his spare time, Richards enjoys studying nature, gardening, hiking, reading, socializing with family and friends, and writing across multiple genres.