I’m sorry your church didn’t have a good response to this event last year, and I sincerely hope it won’t be the case this year as our country once again observes the annual National Day of Prayer.

After all, could anyone honestly say that our world doesn’t need prayer? Since our earliest years as a nation our leaders have called us to prayer, especially during times of crisis. Throughout our history prayer has been an important part of our national life because we have realized that we need God’s wisdom and guidance. Today, our problems are so complex and so dangerous that we dare not face them alone and without God’s help.

The Bible commands us to pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:2). This should be true on a personal level; don’t let a day go by without praying for our nation and its leaders (as well as all the leaders of the world). But we also should come together to pray, for God is pleased when His people are united in prayer.

I urge you to support this year’s National Day of Prayer, and to encourage others to do so as well. Remember the Bible’s promise: “The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).