National Day of Prayer events slated

National Day of Prayer events slated

Published: Saturday, April 26, 2008 12:41 a.m. MDT

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695273675,00.html

Utah evangelicals will join other religious conservatives nationwide on Thursday in gathering to pray for America, and for its next president, as part of a campaign to get voters to pray in specific and continuing ways.

Local events are organized under the auspices of a nationwide umbrella of conservative religious leaders comprising the National Day of Prayer Task Force, which is asking Americans to pray for the nation.

Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family's James Dobson, is head of the task force and says that "at no other time in the last 80 years has a sitting president and/or vice president not been a candidate for re-election. We pray God will raise righteous leaders for our country."

The year's theme, "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield," was chosen by organizers at a time when many observers say the presidential race has seen more talk about candidates' religious views than at any time in the past several decades.

Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952, but left its observance to individuals.

Ravi Zacharias, an evangelical leader who spoke at the Salt Lake Tabernacle a few years ago, is the honorary chairman for this year's events. The group's Web site, www.ndptf.org, includes an audio clip of his prayer, which pastors and ministers are being encouraged to repeat on Thursday:

"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 that hope.

"Yet we're so stubborn and resistant, have mercy upon us. We as a nation are at the crossroads this year Lord. Please give us the guidance to elect one who will honor you and respond to the wisdom from above so that our hope may be renewed and our blessings be treasured. In your holy name, amen."

The task force Web site hosts a video that encourages visitors to "pray for election 2008," asking, "Do you believe in Red? Red is freedom, red is integrity, red is family, red is faith, red is the values we cherish most. Let red remind you to pray and vote."

The site also includes a specific request from task force vice chairman Brian Toon for "groups of two or more meet(ing) in their homes and businesses from noon to 12:30 p.m. (each Thursday until election day) to pray for the Nov. 4 presidential and general election. Please join your friends, your family, your co-workers and join me in uplifting our nation's future leaders in prayer."

Local prayer events are scheduled at several locations, including:

• Utah State Capitol Rotunda, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Area pastors and ministry leaders will offer public prayers on behalf of the nation, state and city. Special music will be featured.

• Community Leadership Breakfast. Tickets are sold out. Participants will hear a testimonial on the power of prayer from Derek Parra, 2002 Winter Olympics gold medalist in speed skating.

• Layton City building at Layton Park, 437 N. Wasatch Drive, 7 to 8 p.m. Pastors Tom Koehler and Peter Kind from Christ Community Church will hold a prayer gathering between the city building and the amphitheater near the bowery.

• Ogden city offices between 24th and 25th streets on Washington Boulevard, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Local evangelical pastors will lead prayer for the nation.

• Park City prayer breakfast at Mountain Life Church in the Silver Creek subdivision, 7:30 a.m. For information, see the Web site at www.ccofpc.org or call Tim Dahlin at 435-649-2260.

• Utah County event at Robinson's Park, 100 E. Main St. in American Fork, 7 to 8 p.m. Call Joe McCormick at 801-756-1446 for information.

• Vernal 24-hour prayer vigil begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Vernal Christian Church, 1845 W. 750 South, and runs through 6 p.m. Thursday. For information, contact Jenifer via e-mail at jenifer.gudac@uintah.net .