New Hope Christian Fellowship

 2010   National Day of Prayer

Medina NDOP web site: 

http://medinandop.webs.com/

Local Observance for Medina, OH and Surrounding Area

 

Thursday May 6, 2010 at 7:00 PM

At Medina United Methodist Church

260 S Court ST Medina OH

 

Local Christian Congregations Uniting in Prayer

to Pray for Our Nation

 

Mission

 

The National Day of Prayer Task Force's mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power:

 

Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church, and Family.

 

For more information about National Day of Prayer link to:

http://www.ndptf.org/home/index.cfm

www.medinandop@webs.com

 

 

2010 Prayer for the National Day of Prayer

by Franklin Graham – 2010 Honorary Chairman

Lord,

We are thankful for the abundant blessings You have bestowed on America.  Our forefathers looked to You as Protector, Provider, and the Promise of hope.  But we have wandered far from that firm foundation.  May we repent for turning our backs on Your faithfulness.

We pray that this great nation will be restored by Your forgiveness.

From bondage, You grant freedom.

Through Your own sacrifice, You offer salvation.

From the state of despair, You offer peace.

From the bounties of Heaven, You have blessed – not because of our goodness – but by Your grace.

You have given us freedom to worship You in spirit and in truth as Your holy Word instructs.  May our lives honor You in word and deed.  May our nation acknowledge that all good things come from the Father above.

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that our nation should set apart a day for national prayer to confess our sins and transgressions in sorrow, “yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon… announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”

“We have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our own hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own… we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us!  It behooves us then… to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”

Help us to pray earnestly for our president and leaders who govern, that they will humble themselves and seek Your guidance so that everything we do will shine the light of Your glory in a darkened world.

May our prayers as a people and a nation be heard and blessed for such a time as this.  We make this plea in faith, believing in the mighty name of Jesus our Lord.

Amen

 

 

National Day of Prayer Mission

The National Day of Prayer Task Force's mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.

 

 

Our Vision and Values

In accordance with Biblical truth, the National Day of Prayer Task Force seeks to:

 

• Foster unity within the Christian Church
• Protect America's Constitutional Freedoms to gather, worship, pray and speak freely.
• Publicize and preserve America's Christian heritage
• Encourage and emphasize prayer, regardless of current issues and positions
• Respect all people, regardless of denomination or creed
• Be wise stewards of God's resources and provision
• Glorify the Lord in word and deed

 

 

Who We Are and What We Do

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America's leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.

  

History of the National Day of Prayer -

Official Policy Statement on Participation of "Non-Judeo-Christian" groups in the National Day of Prayer:

 

The National Day of Prayer Task Force was a creation of the National Prayer Committee for the expressed purpose of organizing and promoting prayer observances conforming to a Judeo-Christian system of values. People with other theological and philosophical views are, of course, free to organize and participate in activities that are consistent with their own beliefs. This diversity is what Congress intended when it designated the Day of Prayer, not that every faith and creed would be homogenized, but that all who sought to pray for this nation would be encouraged to do so in any way deemed appropriate. It is that broad invitation to the American people that led, in our case, to the creation of the Task Force and the Judeo-Christian principles on which it is based.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 What is the National Day of Prayer?
The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans.

What is the NDP Task Force and what is its purpose?
The NDP Task Force concentrates on the need to pray for the well-being of America and for those in leadership on all levels of national, church and educational areas of influence. The National Day of Prayer is observed on the first Thursday of May each year.

When did the NDP begin?
Days of prayer have been called for since 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln called for such a day. Officially, the NDP was established as an annual event by an act of Congress in 1952 and was signed into law by President Truman. President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the NDP.

Is the NDP exclusively a Christian event?
No. This government-proclaimed day is offered to all Americans, regardless of religion, to celebrate their faith through prayer. However, the efforts of the NDP Task Force are executed specifically in accordance with its Judeo-Christian beliefs.

Is the NDP a political event?
No. The National Day of Prayer, as designated by our government, belongs to all Americans. It is not sponsored or owned by any one group. Every American can observe the NDP in his or her own way. Each year, the President issues a proclamation in support of this significant day.

 

Who is behind the NDP Task Force?
The Chairman is Mrs. Shirley Dobson, who has held the position since 1991. Mrs. Dobson volunteers her time and does not receive a salary. The NDP Task Force consists of a full-time staff and a network of thousands of grassroots volunteers nationwide. Prior to Mrs. Dobson's involvement, the Task Force was led by Mrs. Vonette Bright, wife of former Campus Crusade for Christ president and founder Bill Bright.

Is the Task Force affiliated with Focus on the Family?
No. Though Mrs. Dobson is married to Focus on the Family board chairman and founder Dr. James Dobson, the NDP Task Force is a separate organization. It is housed in the Focus on the Family headquarters for convenience, so long as Mrs. Dobson remains the Chairman. Its business affairs are separate and Focus on the Family is compensated for services rendered. However, between 1990 and 1993, Focus on the Family did provide grants in support of the NDP Task Force. Since then, the Task Force has been completely self-supported.

What kinds of events are planned?
The most visible gathering has been held historically at our nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C. on the first Thursday of May. The executive, legislative and judicial branches of government are represented, as well as the military. In addition, Christian leaders address the current year's theme and other areas of interest (i.e. education, youth, families, etc.).

In 2008, approximately 40,000 events were held nationwide. Local volunteers and coordinators held a variety of activities ranging from prayer breakfasts, Bible reading marathons, concerts of prayer, rallies, church prayer vigils, student flagpole gatherings and observances held in sports stadiums.. In addition, Christian leaders address the current year's theme and other areas of interest (i.e. education, youth, families, etc.).

 

 

COPYRIGHT © 2009 National Day of Prayer Task Force

 

Local Congregations Looking Forward to the National Day of Prayer

 

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation.  The 58th Annual National Day of Prayer will take place on Thursday May 7, 2009. Millions across the United States will unite in prayer as thousands of events will take place from coast to coast. The theme for this year is "Prayer... America's Hope" and it is based on the verse from Psalm 33:22 which states: "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." 

 

 “The National Day of Prayer finds its roots in our heritage as a nation. In a season where we are finding more and more people wanting to remove references to God from anything that has to do with government, it is critically important to remember a part of our history that is fast being swept under the carpet. We must not forget that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.” Says Bob Grover NDOP co - chair for Medina.

 

Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. 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 Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

 

At the nationwide level the NDOP Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation in the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.

 

For several years now, Mrs. Shirley Dobson has served as Chair of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Through the efforts of her team, more than 35,000 prayer gatherings are conducted by approximately 40,000 volunteers across the country. Several million people participate every year in this call to prayer for our nation, its leaders and citizens. In addition, Mrs. Dobson is a Director Emeritus for Focus on the Family, an internationally recognized ministry dedicated to the promotion of Christian values and principles in preserving the family

 

Locally, The National Day of Prayer has been led by a group of pastors and citizens who for the last three years have put forth a unified effort to look beyond denominational differences and join together in Christian faith to pray for our Nation.  Participants past and present have included Pastors Dave Wallover, Mark Milioni, Tony Myles, Bob Petruccio, Ron Dress, John Peterson, Mike Wilson, Bob Grover (co-chair 2009), Roger Biada(co-chair 2009), Doug Davidson, Jeff Kolijdeiz, Jim Patterson, Will Lohnes. and Terry Holley.  Also assisting in leading have been Sheriff Neil Hassinger, Chief Dennis Hanwell, Harold Waite, John Harness and Susan Hume

 

“We are looking forward to great things this year.  Last year we had over 300 people in attendance from many different congregations.  We look to have even more this year as people who have participated spread the word and invite their friends and neighbors to join them.” Says Grover.  He adds, “ At the conclusion of the regular service we are continuing a tradition of offering an opportunity for people to come forward for prayer.  It may well be the climax of the whole event.  Some people are coming forward to accept an invitation to receive Christ while others come forward hungry for a pray to be lifted up in faith. It is obvious that there is a growing hunger to see God move in our community.” 

 

Medina Chief of Police Dennis Hanwell states, “I have attended and taken part in the past three annual Medina NDOP services. I have been enriched and uplifted in joining together with our community members in a spirit of prayer and worship.”

 

This year’s local observance of the national day of prayer is again being held at Cornerstone Chapel at 3939 Granger Road.  Service starts at 7:00 PM.  Childcare provided for infant and toddlers. Children’s activities will be provided for all ages Courtesy of Cornerstone Chapel.

 

 Local pastors are invited to Cornerstone at 8:00 am that morning for a time of prayer to start the day in prayer.

 

2008 Prayer for Our Nation

 
Holy Father, in a world where so many are hungry,
You have given us food in abundance;

In a world where so many are hurting,
You offer to bind up our wounds;

In a world where so many are lonely,
You offer friendship to every heart;

In a world longing for peace,
You offer hope.

Yet, we are so stubborn and resistant.
Have mercy upon us, Lord.

Our nation is at a crossroads this year;
we look to you to be our strength and shield.

Please give us the guidance to elect one who will honor you
and to respond to the wisdom from above

so that our hope may be renewed and our blessings be treasured.

In Jesus' holy name we pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Ravi Zacharias
2008 Honorary Chairman,

National Day of Prayer Task Force