By Paige Gurgainers

“Lift up the Word – Light up the world” is the theme of this year’s upcoming National Day of Prayer. The theme is based on a scripture from the book of Samuel, “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.:

This nationwide event is to be observed today (Thursday, May 2). 

According to the National Day of Prayer website, this day was first signed into law in 1952 by President Harry S. Truman and later amended by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, permanently designating the date as the first Thursday in May of every year.  

Every president since 1952 has signed a proclamation encouraging the nation to come together in prayer no matter your background, political party, or denomination. It is the one-day people are encouraged to set aside their differences and come together in Christ with their neighbors, schools, businesses, cities, parishes, state and nation.