...aid us in finding silver linings...
Nikko Smith read a prayer by Virgina Parker for Medical Professionals and First Responders. ...for those who devote their lives helping others grant them courage, wisdom, strength and compassion in all their work, watch over and protect them as they respond. Thank you for those who respond...
Mayor John Zeiger, standing in for Steve Wilcoxson, said a prayer for the government and military. ... for wisdom for our leaders; grace, love, patience, wisdom and blessings for all ...
Joshua Wood, Editor of the Saratoga Sun said a prayer for the press. He asked for help to provide accurate news and information, to guide our hands to deliver the news with respect, help to keep our paths clear, aid in the finding silver linings and help us hold the powerful accountable and comforting the powerless.
The first Thursday in May was designated as the National Day of Prayer by President Harry Truman on April 17, 1952. However, the tradition goes back to President Abraham Lincoln who had established a fall observance along with the official Thanksgiving holiday in 1863.
While some may not think it necessary to have a day designated for prayer, studies have shown that about 55% of Americans say they pray every day and another 21% say they pray weekly. (https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/05/04/5-facts-about-prayer/)
There are also those who have tried unsuccessfully to say that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional. In 2011 a three judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court stated that the National Day of prayer had not caused harm and further stated that "the President is free to make appeals to the public based on many kinds of grounds, including political and religious, and that such requests do not obligate citizens to comply and do not encroach on citizens' rights."
The National Day of Prayer is for people of all religions. It is a day to come together and uplift one another as a nation. In 2020, this day may be more important than it has been in many years as people struggle to cope with stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are feeling alone right now with all the social distancing and quarantines that are happening, but know, that at least on this day, you are included in the Nation's most sincere thoughts and hopes for a better, healthier future.
The President, as is custom, issued a Proclamation on the National Day of Prayer which is available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-national-day-prayer-2020/. It is inspiring and touching. Here is a small quote from the 2020 proclamation," We pray that He comforts those who have lost loved ones, heals those who are sick, strengthens those on the front lines, and reassures all Americans that through trust in Him, we can overcome all obstacles."
Here in Saratoga, prayers were offered at a small gathering at the Community Center for the government, schools, students, healthcare professionals, businesses, employees, churches, the media and everyone affected in one way or another by the pandemic. The service is available on the Saratoga Sun's Facebook page for anyone who would like to view the prayers.
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