LETTERS: NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER EVENTS ARE SCHEDULED

To the editor:

This year America celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer, which was established by President Harry Truman. How blessed we are as a nation to have godly predecessors who approved legislation that allows us to publicly express our faith and dependence on God.

This year's theme, "One Nation Under God," is based on the promise of Psalms 33:12: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." We will have the opportunity to join millions of believers across this country to declare our trust in God's sovereignty over the affairs of men and to seek his wisdom and guidance for the challenges we face in our homes, communities and nation.

As Christians, we have a biblical mandate to pray for "all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (I Timothy 2:1-4). More than 20 Christian churches will be jointly providing community prayer services beginning April 30 and continuing through May 3, the National Day of Prayer. The Mayors' Prayer Breakfast will be at 6:30 a.m. May 3, and a countywide worship and prayer service will be at noon May 3 on the courthouse lawn in Jackson.

What a blessing it is to live in a place where we can honor God by humbling ourselves, repenting of our sins and asking for his healing, mercy and protection for ourselves and future generations.

SHERRI MEHNER

National Day of Prayer

Coordinator

Cape Girardeau