First Free Church: National Day of Prayer Guide: May 1, 2003

Welcome to the National Day of Prayer. This Guide is designed for you to use with your family and/or your church. It is our hope that it will prove helpful as you participate in the National Day of Prayer.

The National Day of Prayer has a rich history, dating from the first declaration of a day of prayer and fasting that was implemented by George Washington to President Lincoln's call for prayer and fasting during the Civil War to the modern-day declaration signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1952.

God answers the prayers of His people, and in 2 Chronicles 7:14, He specifically emphasizes the importance of praying for our nation. Ask the Lord to bring about spiritual renewal across America. Pray that people will turn to Him and seek His will for our land.

The Bible instructs us to pray for "all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (I Timothy 2:2). Pray that our leaders will seek God and endeavor to serve Him in a manner that is worthy of their positions of influence.

Join the live nationally broadcast concert of prayer, May 1, 2003 at 5:00pm PDT, 8:00pm EDT. Broadcast on numerous radio, Internet, cable and satellite channels. Click on www.concertofprayer.org for more information.

Use these scripture verses to set the tone for your observance of The National Day of Prayer.

If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Use this list to guide and direct your prayer time. Pray for godly wisdom and guidance, great strength and divine protection for these leaders.

Pray for our National Leaders: President: George W. Bush, Vice President: Dick Cheney, Cabinet members: Colin Powell, Donald Rumsfeld, John Snow, John Ashcroft, Gale Norton, Ann Veneman, Don Evans, Elaine Chao, Norman Mineta, Spencer Abraham, Rod Paige, Anthony Principi, Tommy Thompson, Mel Martinez, Tom Ridge. Members of the House and Senate of the United States, All Branches of the Armed Forces, Robert Myers, Tommy Franks, The U.S. Supreme Court

Pray for our State Leaders: U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, Governors, Lt. Governors, State Senators, State Representatives, and State Supreme Court Justices

Pray for Local Leaders: County Officials, Court Officials, City Officials, Judges, Mayors, Police Departments, Fire Departments, School Authorities (public & private)

Pray for Our Troops: Pray for their safety, their diligence, and that many will turn to God in faith.

Pray for a Moral Re-Awakening in America: Our nation is poised for spiritual revival. Pray that citizens across our land will confess sins, seek God's direction for holy living and choose to rely on Him rather than self.