Designated by the United States Congress, The National Day of Prayer is a day when all Americans of all faiths are invited to unite and pray in their own way.

The National Day of Prayer was made official in 1952 on April 17th when President Truman signed a bill declaring the National Day of Prayer into law. In 1972 the National Prayer Committee was created which led to the formation of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, whose purpose is to coordinate events for the day. President Reagan signed a bill into law in 1988 that declared the National Day of Prayer be held on the first Thursday of May.

On May 3, 2012, we celebrate the 61st annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. The theme for this year is One Nation Under God and is based on Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

Dear Lord,
Let us unite on this, the National Day of Prayer with all from all faiths and all walks of life. Let us pray together, each in our own way, setting our differences aside for a moment in time. Let us come together as a nation, as a people. Let us love and respect one another and work for the good of all. And let us pray for peace within our own nation and between all nations.
Amen

As we unite with all those of all faiths on the National Day of Prayer, here are some resources for prayer geared to help us on this day and everyday.

Forms of Prayer
When we think of prayer we often visualize someone kneeling, hands together, eyes closed, silently reciting her/his prayers. This is only one of many forms of prayer.

Healing and Nourishment for the Soul
A collection of prayers and scripture to heal and nourish us on our spiritual journey.

Inspirational Quotations About Prayer
What motivates us to pray? Inspires us to pray more? Urges us to pray more deeply and grow more fully in our relationship with our Lord? Here are some inspiring quotes about prayer.

EWTN Faith Devotionals
https://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayer_saint.htm
Includes sections on Prayers, Novenas, Litanies, and a Spiritual Bouquet - meditations by Padre Pio. Also has audio sections for Prayers, Faith Matters (short spiritual reflections), Just A Minute (inspirational messages), More Reflections (spiritual reflections with Fr. Leo Clifford), A People Of Life (pro-life reflections from Fr. Frank Pavone), and Life Jewels (one minute pro-life messages). The Spiritual Bouquet and all the audio sections offer a different mediation/message/reflection/prayer each time you click.

Pray The Rosary Online
https://www.ourcatholicfaith.org/onlinerosary.html
Includes Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries set to background meditative music. Choose either English or Latin.

Rosary Online
https://www.cathedralofmary.org/parish/spiritual/Marian/Rosary/index.html
Presented by the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, Maryland.
Includes Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries.

Prayers for the Road Home: Signposts for Reclaiming Your Faith -- Buy from Amazon
Compiled by my dear friend, the late Fr. Jac Campbell, founder of Landings

The How to Book of Catholic Devotions: Everything You Need to Know But No One Ever Taught You -- Buy from Amazon

Peace in Christ,
© Melissa Knoblett-Aman