By Rev. Victor Fuhrman
It’s National Day of Prayer 2010. Do you have a special prayer for yourself, loved ones, the nation, the world? You don’t have to be religious to put forth a prayer. All you need is a good and clear intention.
On April 30th, President Obama declared May 6, 2010, as a National Day of Prayer. His declaration mirrors that of the nine presidents preceding him going back to 1952 when President Truman signed a unanimous declaration by both houses of Congress, creating this day of prayer and reflection.
With all of the natural and human-made turmoil in the world today, you would think that a National Day of Prayer would be welcomed by everyone. Not the case. Last month a US District Court Judge in Wisconsin declared the event “unconstitutional” after hearing a law suit brought by the “Freedom from Religion Foundation”, a group of atheists and agnostics.
Why all the fuss? It goes back to our founding fathers (and mothers) and the First Amendment to the Constitution, leading off the Bill of Rights. The amendment contains what are known as the “Establishment Clause” and the “Free Exercise Clause” and basically says that the government shall not recognize or “establish” one religion over another nor prohibit citizens from “freely exercising” their right to worship (or not) as they please. This is the foundation of the more familiar term “separation of church and state.”
As it turns out, the district judge who made the ruling also said the National Day of Prayer could go on as the appeals process had not been completed. So the good news is, you have the absolute right to pray (or not) as you see fit.
If you see fit to pray, remember that prayer may be as simple or sophisticated as you choose to make it. As mentioned, you need not be religious to pray or have a specific faith affiliation. The most moving prayers may consist of a few simple words such as, “please help me”, or, “I am so grateful for the life I have been given”, or even, “I am thankful to live in a country where I have the freedom to pray (or not) as I so choose.”
My prayer is that your prayers on National Day of Prayer, May 6, and all days, may be answered in accordance with your highest good. I know they will be heard.
Here are some of your favorite prayer galleries for inspiration:
Read more from our Beliefnet Bloggers on The National Day of Prayer.
Share with us: What is your greatest prayer on this day?
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