Letters Participate in National Day of Prayer
To the editor:
Every first Thursday in May, 40,000 volunteers see their efforts at work. These volunteers are the coordinators of the National Day of Prayer. This year, America will celebrate its 49th National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 4. In the past, more than 20,000 prayer events have taken place across the country. Millions of Americans gather in churches, schools, courthouses, prisons and a variety of other locations to pray for the nation and its leaders.
"Our hope for America as we press into the new millennium is rooted in reverence for God and our dependence on his continued blessing and guidance," says Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer. "That expression of faith inspired our founding fathers at the birth of this nation, and it will be our strength in the days ahead."
The theme for 2000 is "PRAY2K: America's Hope for the New Millennium" and is based on Romans 12:12, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (NIV)
On May 5, 1988, the 100th Congress of the United States passed a bill, signed by President Ronald Reagan, to provide for setting aside the first Thursday in May as the date on which the National Day of Prayer is celebrated. Although the annual event was established by an act of Congress and President Truman in 1952, it did not begin to gain momentum until a specific day was set aside to observe it. Now 12 years after President Reagan's amendment, participation in the National Day of Prayer continues to grow and become a vital part of our American heritage.
Governor Janklow has proclaimed May 4, 2000, as a "Day of Prayer" for South Dakota. Many prayer observances are being planned throughout the state. We invite you to participate in the prayer gathering held in your area as the people of South Dakota pray for the new millennium.
Sincerely,
Clarence and LaVonne Grebner
Mike and Marilyn Hildreth
Harvey and Midge Mills
Dick and Eileen Shane
Sally Taylor
South Dakota National Day of Prayer Committee
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