Table of Contents
- National Day of Prayers Definition and Meaning
- When Is National Day of Prayers?
- National Day of Prayer History
- National Day of Prayers Purpose and Importance
- What’s in National Day of Prayers?
- How to Create a National Day of Prayers Social Media Post
- National Day of Prayers Facts
- National Day of Prayers vs. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- National Day of Prayer Examples
- FAQs
National Day of Prayers
The National Day of Prayer is observed primarily in the United States. This holiday is not just limited to Christian or Catholic denominations; the invitation is for all people regardless of religious affiliation or belief.
National Day of Prayers Definition and Meaning
National Day of Prayer is a day of solemn observance wherein people are encouraged to pray and seek God or a Higher Power.
National Day of Prayer is observed once a year and people of all religious denominations are invited to participate and commemorate the holiday.
When Is National Day of Prayers?
National Day of Prayer is observed annually every first Thursday of May. The spring observance only started in 1952 but prior to that, the fall observance of National Day of Prayer was established by President Abraham Lincoln wherein the holiday coincided with Thanksgiving.
National Day of Prayer History
In 1775, at the cusp of American independence from Great Britain, the first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer emphasizing “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” for the colonies. Abraham Lincoln called for a similar day in 1863 during the American Civil War. But it was only in 1952 when President Harry Truman formally signed a bill that made the National Day of Prayer (NDP) an annual observance. Ronald Raegan then amended the law and designated the first Thursday of May as the NDP in 1988.
National Day of Prayers Purpose and Importance
The following reasons describe why the National Day of Prayer is important to Americans not just from a religious standpoint, but also from a historical and social perspective.
Pray for the Country
Historically, national days of prayer seem to be called during turbulent times in American history such as the Korean War and the Civil War. There seems to be a pattern of seeking and turning to God when faced with challenging and seemingly impossible odds. The NDP is not just a day to pray for one’s family or local community, but a day to pray for national unity and wisdom for the country’s leaders.
Day of Remembrance
The National Day of Prayer has been observed for a long time. And since it is very much rooted in history, the day cannot be separated or disassociated with the events of the past- whether it is the Korean War or America’s fight for independence. The holiday is not just an opportune moment to pray, but it is also a time to remember the collective sacrifices, hardship, and triumph the nation has been through over the centuries.
Instill Discipline and Promote Selflessness
The National Day of Prayer is seen as more of an invitation rather than a mandated holiday imposed on the citizenry. Still, the day is an opportunity to exercise and instill spiritual discipline. By praying, meditating and surrendering to a Higher Power, you slowly move away from the self or your ego and acknowledge the existence of something greater than yourself.
What’s in National Day of Prayers?
Since the holiday is a nationwide observance, National Day of Prayer can be commemorated in various ways depending on individual and local preferences. Most people pray, meditate, attend religious services, or organize local activities such as prayer vigils. Local and national officials gather to lead their communities in solemn prayer and solidarity.
How to Create a National Day of Prayers Social Media Post
Even if you can’t directly participate in National Day of Prayers events or activities, you can still show solidarity by sharing posts on your various social media accounts.
1. Select a National Day of Prayers Facebook Post Template
Open Template.net and with the search bar, type in National Day of Prayers. Once you have selected a Facebook post template, simply click it and tap the editor button.
2. Edit the Text or Message
Once you’ve landed on the editor tool, you can easily edit the text by clicking on the Fill tool in the sidebar menu. You can likewise customize the text size, font, and color by highlighting the text and adjusting its format settings.
3. Add Images and Other Objects
The editor tool comes with hundreds of elements that you can conveniently add to the template. You’ll find a wide selection of shapes, stickers, videos, frames and even audio to insert into your post.
4. Customize the Graphics
Customize the images and other elements to your liking. You can resize photos, crop images, change background colors or rotate objects using the multiple tools available.
5. Save the Template
When you are done editing the template, you can instantly share or download the template. Template.net allows you to save or export the file in your preferred file format as well- PNG, JPG, GIF, etc.
1. Select a National Day of Prayers Instagram Post Template
Choose from a number of free and customizable National Day of Prayers Instagram templates. Just head on to the search bar and type in what you are looking for.
2. Fill in the Text
Edit and customize the text greeting or message using the Fill tool. You can also change and modify the text size, font, and color using the various format settings in the editor tool.
3. Insert Additional Text
Create a more informative post by adding subheadings or subtitles. You can add headings and subheadings by clicking on the Text icon located on the sidebar menu.
4. Add Graphics
You can add more pictures or images related to National Day of Prayers. Simply search for free pictures using Pixabay and Unsplash or you can even upload your own images as well.
5. Download the Template
When you are satisfied with your work, share or save the file by clicking the Download or Share button on the upper right corner of the page. Note that you can select the file format of your choice when exporting the file
YouTube
1. Pick a National Day of Prayers YouTube Template
You can choose any YouTube National Day of Prayers template to work with. Type in National Day of Prayers in the search bar located at the top of the page and select a template that suits your needs.
2. Create a Customized Message
When you’ve opened the editor tool, you can easily edit the text by clicking the Fill icon on the sidebar menu. Keep your message or greeting short but sincere and heartfelt and don’t forget to include a call to action.
3. Add Graphics and Other Elements
Feel free to insert graphics and other objects to the template. Whether it is a frame, symbol, sticker or video, you can easily search for the appropriate graphics using the search bar in the editor tool.
4. Customize the Background Color
If you want, you can also change the background color of the template. Choose from dozens of colors and shades in the editor tool.
5. Download the Template
After editing, save your work by selecting the Download button on the upper section of the page. The template can be downloaded or saved in a number of file formats including JPG, PDF, PNG, or GIF.
National Day of Prayers Facts
If you don’t have the time to go through the detailed history of the National Day of Prayer, there are just several key information that would summarize the meaning of the said holiday. These fast facts on the National Day of Prayer are both interesting and good to know.
- Over 146 national calls to prayer were proclaimed by the President of the United States from 1789 up to 2017.
- Every US president since the year 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.
- 35 out of the 45 presidents of the United States have signed formal proclamations for National Prayer.
- The nation’s first president, George Washington proclaimed a day of public thanksgiving and prayer in 1795.
- John Adams declared May 9, 1798 as a day of “solemn humility, fasting and prayer.”
- Around 1,526 state and federal calls for national prayer have been made since 1775 and still counting.
National Day of Prayers vs. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
National Day of Prayer is a day that is not aimed at any specific event, although it is a day of observance, unity, solidarity and prayer.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is a national day of remembrance for the bombing and attack of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii during World War II; it is observed every 7th of December.
National Day of Prayer Examples
Looking for inspiration for your marketing needs and social media posts in preparation for National Day of Prayer? Check out these editable and downloadable National Day of Prayer examples and templates!
1. National Day of Prayer Convention Flyer
2. National Day of Prayer LinkedIn Post
3. National Day Of Prayer Greetings Banner
4. National Day of Prayer Flyer
5. National Day of Prayer Clipart
6. National Day Of Prayer Church Quote
7. National Day Of Prayer Church Flyer
8. National Day Of Prayer Poster
9. National Day of Prayer Coloring Page
10. National Day of Prayer Email Newsletter
FAQs
Why do we have a National Day of Prayer?
The annual observance of the National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 as a response to the threats and circumstances brought about by the Korean War.
What do you do on National Day of Prayer?
All American citizens are called to practice meditation and prayer on this day, regardless of one’s religion.
Who is in charge of National Day of Prayer?
As enacted by law, the President of the United States is called to proclaim every first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer.
How do we celebrate National Day of Prayer?
Many Americans celebrate National Day of Prayer by going to church, meditating, fasting, or simply spending some time in quiet prayer.
Who started National Day of Prayer?
President Harry S. Truman proclaimed the annual observance of National Day of Prayer back in 1952.
What is the verse for National Day of Prayer?
The 2021 National Day of Prayer used the scriptural verse taken from 2 Corinthians 3:17 of the Bible.
When did National Prayer day start?
On April 17, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a law that made National Prayer Day an annual event.
What is a symbol of prayer?
Arguably the most popular symbol of prayer is the image of hands clasped together and pointing upward.
Who do we pray for on National Day of Prayer?
Americans pray for each other, their leaders, and especially the country every National Day of Prayer.
What is the National Day of Prayer theme?
The theme for National Day of Prayer 2022 is based on the Bible verse from Colossians 2:6-7 which says “Exalt the Lord who has established us.”
How many national days of prayer are there?
Since the 18th century up to the present time, over 140 national days of prayer have been called for in the United States of America.
Who organizes the National Day of Prayer?
The National Day of Prayer Task Force or the NDP Task Force organizes and coordinates the Evangelical religious activities for the annual observance of the National Day of Prayer.
What is the message of National Day of Prayer?
The message of National Day of Prayer is one of unity regardless of religious belief and also deep reverence and respect to God.
What do people pray on the National Day of Prayer?
People pray for their communities, political and civil leaders, and for the country on National Day of Prayer.
What is National Day of Prayer for kids?
National Day of Prayer is a yearly celebration where people come together in prayer and look to God for guidance and help.
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