Millions will unite in prayer as thousands of events will take place from coast to coast. The community of Chino Hills will have the opportunity to gather in the new City of Chino Hills government facility next to the new city library at 12:00 noon. The theme for this year is "Prayer... America's Hope" and is based on the verse from Psalm 33:22 which states: "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."
Our hope needs to be not on anything or anyone else but on our Almighty creator who is also called "the God of Hope."
As our Nation faces great economic instability, war and threats from abroad, and unrest here at home, the call to put aside denominational and political differences and unite in praying to the God of Hope has become more urgent than ever. The challenge is being put out right now for the people of God to not only pray but to pray and fast. Fasting is an act where we let go of our fleshly desires, seek God"s face, and pray. Can you imagine what will happen when people in our community and throughout our nation would gather to fast and pray for our government, military, businesses, education, churches and families!
Throughout our great nation"s history, in times of hardship and turmoil our nation"s leaders have put out a call to the people of this nation to pray. On June 12th 1774, the First Continental Congress issued a proclamation for a national day of "Fasting Humiliation and Prayer. President John Adams declared May 9th 1798, a national day of "Solemn Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed public law 100-307 which permanently set aside the first Thursday in May as "a day of prayer for our nation and her leaders. Following the September 11, 2001 tragedies, President Bush called for a "National Day of Prayer and remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attacks on 9/11. As recent as March 27th 2003 by a vote of 346-49, the House of Representatives passed a resolution calling for a national day of humility, prayer and fasting in a time of war and terrorism. The resolution stated that Americans should use the day of prayer "to seek the guidance from God to achieve a greater understanding of our failings and to learn how we can do better in our everyday activities, and to gain resolve in meeting the challenges that confront our nation."
Prayer was, is and will always be the key. E.M. Bounds states, "Blessed is the nation that has praying men and women who can aid our nation"s leaders." As the people of God, we have the ability to bring the power of the sovereign into the daily life of our nation. God stands ready to hear our cries and to give relief.
One of the most wonderful things about the call to prayer is that every one of us can experience divine power before the throne of grace. Whether we are rich or poor male or female, young or old, we are powerful people when we are down on our knees before the God of Hope.
