In the top drawer of my State House office, I still keep the very first letter I received when I reported to be a public servant for our state. Dated January 11, 2005 from then Senator J. Verne Smith, the letter invited me to meet informally for a brief devotion and prayer period at 8:30 am each Thursday during the session in the Meetze Chapel, second floor of the Gresette Building.
While I have not been perfect in my attendance, I do consider myself a regular on Thursdays and have seen the same handful of people for the past three years. Sadly, Chaplain Meetze and Senator Verne Smith have passed away but the group still goes strong.
Also, every Wednesday Jeff Lingerfelt from Capitol Ministries also holds a Bible Study for Legislators and Lobbyists. I consider Jeff a friend and wish more people knew of the work he does here – not just for Legislator and Lobbyists – for all State Grounds employees (Mondays).
I share these because today is an important day in our Country. While many pray regularly, some do not. I hope you’ll take time today, and every day, to pray.
National Day of Prayer 2008
Millions United. 1 Day. 1 Voice.
The 57th Annual National Day of Prayer will take place Thursday, May 1, 2008.
The theme for this year is “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield” and is based on the verse from Psalm 28:7 which states: “The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.”
Dr. Ravi Zacharias will help lead this nation in prayer as the 2008 Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Through the efforts of the Task Force, more than 35,000 prayer gatherings will be conducted by approximately 40,000 volunteers across the country. Several million people are expected to participate in this call to prayer for our nation, its leaders and citizens.
Shirley Dobson on the National Day of Prayer
This is a critical time to be in prayer for America. The biblical principles upon which our country was founded are coming under attack in every segment of society. Yet despite this troubling trend we can take heart in the knowledge that God hears and responds to the earnest cries of His people. In one of my favorite Psalms, 28:7, David makes this confident declaration: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.” What a comforting reminder that God is indeed the source of all power, guidance and protection.
It is with this in mind that we chose for our 2008 National Day of Prayer theme, “Prayer, America’s Strength and Shield.”
It is tremendously heartening to know that you are standing with us as we call this great nation to prayer. Thank you for devoting yourself to this cause and please know that we are remembering you before God’s throne as we work together to spark a nationwide revival of prayer and repentance.
– Shirley Dobson, Chairman