Sanctuaries open for Day of Prayer

By Lynsi Musselman

Social-distancing creates an environment for personal prayer and comteplation this year during National Day of Prayer. 

Albany churches will welcome all faiths for individual prayer on Thursday, May 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Albany’s National Day of Prayer will be organized as a come and go event to avoid large gatherings. Individuals are encouraged to visit any church, or more than one church.

First United Methodist pastor Tim Trimble said this is a different kind of year and has forced pastors and others to think about alternatives.

“This is a great opportunity to get back into church and pray for our country,” Trimble said. “We know who is in control no matter what anyone says.”

The NDP occurs every year on the first Thursday of May. Unlike previous years, millions will come together at a distance to prayer for our nation. 

The theme for National Day of Prayer 2020 is Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth.

The National Day of Prayer task force president Kathy Branzell picked the theme based on Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth will be filled with the the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

The NDP observance will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on May 7. It can be viewed on Facebook Live, streamed live from the website www.nationaldayofprayer.org, and will be broadcast live through DayStar Television Network, God TV, and Brio TV.

History

Public prayer has been a part of the history of America from the start of the nation. The first Continental Congress called for “a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer” in 1775.

This day has become a national observance placed on all Hallmark calendars and observed annually across the nation.