The National Day of Prayer was first declared by the Continental Congress in 1775.  It was permanently established in 1952 by the U.S. Congress and in recent years was set on the calendar as the first Thursday in May.

"On our National Day of Prayer, we join together as people of many faiths to petition God to show us His mercy and His love, to heal our weariness and uphold our hope, that we might live ever mindful of His justice and thankful for His blessing. We gather together on that day in homes and places of worship to pray, each after his or her own manner, for unity of hearts of all mankind."

The following prayers were offered at the
North Omaha Leadership Prayer Breakfast  held on May 5, 1999.
We offer these prayers so that we can come together in the spirit of God, recognizing that we are different -- and we are one.

Social

Pray for youth and children.  For their protection and safety at school and everywhere, for strong homes and families, and for destiny and direction in their lives as they come to faith in Christ, and live out His purposes.

Pray for the stronghold of addiction of all types (drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling etc.) to be broken.  Pray that men and women would lead their homes and families in righteousness, and would love their spouses as Christ loved the church.

Pray for God's righteousness to flood the streets of our city.  That justice would roll down like water, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream.  That strong conviction of sin would come upon our city, and that we would denounce sin of all types, repent and cry out for the mercy of Almighty God.
 

Government

Pray for all political leaders, at the local, state and national level that they would lead in righteousness and integrity.  Pray that God would raise up righteous men and women to hold public office, and serve as a Godly influence in shaping legislation that would follow the laws of God.

Pray for military leaders and enlisted men and women that they would be safe, and would serve our country with honor and valor.  Pray that God would keep their families strong.  Pray particularly for the war in Kosovo, for the refugees, and for those who are suffering as a result of the bombings and the atrocities.

Pray that citizens would take active roles in voting, praying for elected officials, and informing themselves about the issues that concern them.  Pray that we would take accountability for our city and nation, and support those who are standing boldly for religious freedom and for the Faith upon which our system of government was founded.
 

Education

Pray for public school administrators that they would have God's heart in creating a school atmosphere of safety, excellence and godliness.  Pray that teachers would honor each child's uniqueness, and would draw the best out of them.  Pray that we would honor, and support those who teach our children.

Pray for Christian, and home schools that they would have the resources and support they need to provide superior academic and spiritual preparation for children.  Pray that laws would remain favorable in supporting these options, and that these teachers and officials would be adequately rewarded for their sacrifices.

Pray for higher educational institutions that they would build up and not destroy the foundation of values parents build in their children.  Pray for vocational and adult educational programs that they would meet the unique needs of their constituencies.  Pray for students in all educational institutions that they would focus on scholarship, and not be distracted by peer pressure or ungodly associations.  Pray that parents would support their children's education, and that their family situation would be conducive to studies and strong academic performance.
 

Church

Pray for Pastors that they would have the Good Shepherd's heart in leading the flock of God.  Pray that Pastors and leaders would continue to unite across the city, and have God's heart for reconciling us to Himself.  Pray that these men and women would have balance in their lives, and prosperity in their finances, ministries and in their marriages and families.

Pray that the body would pray for, and support their Pastors.  Pray that believers would discover their giftings and be equipped to do the work of the ministry.  Pray that believers would get out of the seats, and into the streets, taking the gospel to our city, and to the nations.

Pray that the Church would be relevant, and would truly be the transforming influence in our society.  Pray that we would properly discern the body of Christ, and would be the church of Omaha, and not identify only with our congregation or denomination.
 

Business/Economic

Pray that God would raise up believers in the business community who will be salt and light to unbelievers.  Pray that these men and women would not compromise their confession of faith, but would demonstrate integrity, and righteousness in all their dealings.  Also pray for margin, and balance in their lives that they would be good examples by keeping their marriages and homes in order.

Pray that God would prosper businesses across the city, especially in economically depressed areas.  Pray that small businesses, would flourish, and that communities in the north and south corridors would prosper financially.

Pray that business leaders would resource the spread of the gospel, and would support the efforts of churches and ministries that are caring for the poor and hurting in our city.  Pray that partnerships would be forged between ministries and businesses that would bring match vision with provision in the advancing of God's purposes in our communities.