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Real Answers™
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Copyright: © 2010 Greg Asimakoupoulos
540 words

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER:  A PROGRESSIVE ADVENTURE

By: Greg Asimakoupoulos

For six decades our country has called us to a National Day of Prayer.  Indisputably a great notion. But how do we make the most of such a day?
 
With that dilemma in mind what follows is a simple suggestion for making the most of this year's National Day of Prayer. I call it a progressive adventure. And much like a progressive dinner, it will require driving to different locations on the Island to savor the flavor of the day.
 
A logical place to start is at your community's Veterans Memorial.  Spend some time in silent reflection and prayer thanking the Almighty for those who were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to provide us with a democracy in which our personal freedoms are both protected and practiced.
 
Then move to a park in your town where spring flowers and blossoming trees are displaying their glory. Folks in my community would likely head to Luther Burbank Park named for one of our nation’s foremost botanists. It is a perfect place to express gratitude to our Creator for the beauty of creation.
 
A pause at City Hall would be a great next stop. While there, pray for your local government officials. Ask the God of justice, mercy and order to give wisdom to our city manager, mayor, members of city council as well as our police chief and fire chief.
 
From City Hall make your way to one of the several schools in your community. Ask God to help the students in your town make wise choices when faced with tempting opportunities related to drugs, alcohol and premature sexual intimacy. Remember to pray for their teachers and administrators who are shaping the moral development of your kids.
 
Where do you practice your faith? A church, synagogue or a temple?  Drive to that location. If the sanctuary is open, why not go inside and spend ten minutes in silent contemplation. Pray for your spiritual shepherds. Ask God to encourage them when their task is overwhelming and they are under-appreciated. Pray for your Governor and his staff.
Pray for your state legislature as they attempt to guide your state through an economic jungle. Pray for our President, his cabinet, members of Congress and the Supreme Court. Ask the Divine Judge to be their moral compass.

That's what St. Paul had in mind when he wrote, "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..." (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV)

But your progressive prayer adventure is not quite done. As you drive to your residence talk to your Heavenly Father about your children, your siblings and your aging parents. While the residents of the White House need our prayers, those who reside in your house need them too. Your family (and mine) have unique challenges and opportunities requiring Divine intervention.
 
Well, there you have it. A creative way to make the most of this year's National Day of Prayer. Finally, if your church or synagogue has planned a special evening observance, why not attend with your spouse and kids? It just might become an annual family tradition.

"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com

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