National Day of Prayer – May 2
May 02, 2024 08:00 AM - For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. 2 Samuel 22:29-31
Today, people of all faiths will come together to pray for our nation during the National Day of Prayer. This year’s theme, Lift of up the world, light up the world highlights the lamp which holds a special meaning to SSM Health. In the early days of their St. Louis ministry, the small group of sisters stayed in a modest apartment. They did not have money to buy supplies for their home. One neighbor, who noticed their apartment was dark each night, brought them a lamp. The sisters rejoiced in this gift, and the lamp has since become a symbol of humble dependence on the kindness of others to the mission to be the presence of the loving, serving, “compassionate, healing Jesus.”
The first call to prayer began in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation. It has continued throughout our history signifying just how important and integral prayer has been to our nation. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual National Day of Prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.
As a Catholic ministry, SSM Health also believes in the power of prayer. Team members are encouraged to begin meetings and huddles with a prayer or reflection allowing for a moment to pause and become centered before moving on with their day. Today, we invite you to pause and say a prayer for our nation and the world.
2024 National Prayer for America
To view the full 2024 National Day of prayer, click here.
Jesus, we profess our faith in You. You are the
Light of the world, and in You there is no
darkness. For You are our lamp, O LORD, and
our God who lights our darkness. Forgive us for
fearing and focusing on the darkness around us
instead of being filled with faith and shining like
the city on a hill You have called us to be.
Forgive us for the times when we have been the
absence of light, allowing darkness to dwell in
America. Lead us forward to dispel the darkness
and bring light throughout the Church.
.
We are saved by grace through faith, released
from the darkness that once held us captive and
now free to walk in the newness of life in You.
God, You are a shield for all those who take
refuge in You. As we abide in You and Your
Word abides in us; we take up our shield of
faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the
Word of God and run boldly into the darkness
to Lift Up the Word and Light Up the World!
In the Mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen!
Today, people of all faiths will come together to pray for our nation during the National Day of Prayer. This year’s theme, Lift of up the world, light up the world highlights the lamp which holds a special meaning to SSM Health. In the early days of their St. Louis ministry, the small group of sisters stayed in a modest apartment. They did not have money to buy supplies for their home. One neighbor, who noticed their apartment was dark each night, brought them a lamp. The sisters rejoiced in this gift, and the lamp has since become a symbol of humble dependence on the kindness of others to the mission to be the presence of the loving, serving, “compassionate, healing Jesus.”
The first call to prayer began in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation. It has continued throughout our history signifying just how important and integral prayer has been to our nation. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual National Day of Prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.
As a Catholic ministry, SSM Health also believes in the power of prayer. Team members are encouraged to begin meetings and huddles with a prayer or reflection allowing for a moment to pause and become centered before moving on with their day. Today, we invite you to pause and say a prayer for our nation and the world.
2024 National Prayer for America
To view the full 2024 National Day of prayer, click here.
Jesus, we profess our faith in You. You are the
Light of the world, and in You there is no
darkness. For You are our lamp, O LORD, and
our God who lights our darkness. Forgive us for
fearing and focusing on the darkness around us
instead of being filled with faith and shining like
the city on a hill You have called us to be.
Forgive us for the times when we have been the
absence of light, allowing darkness to dwell in
America. Lead us forward to dispel the darkness
and bring light throughout the Church.
.
We are saved by grace through faith, released
from the darkness that once held us captive and
now free to walk in the newness of life in You.
God, You are a shield for all those who take
refuge in You. As we abide in You and Your
Word abides in us; we take up our shield of
faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the
Word of God and run boldly into the darkness
to Lift Up the Word and Light Up the World!
In the Mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen!
