Clergy representing three of Medina’s Christian churches will join our own Deacon Paul Kipfstuhl in leading a prayer service on Thursday, May 4, to celebrate the National Day of Prayer.

The service, which begins at 9:15 a.m. in our church, will be attended by the more than 400 students of St. Francis Xavier School. All others of good will are invited to attend as well. This year’s theme is based on James 5:16b, and urges all people to pray fervently.

“Pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.”

(James 5:16b)

The National Day of Prayer was established as early as 1668, when the Virginia House of Burgesses in Jamestown passed an ordinance setting aside a day “appointed for a Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer, to implore God’s mercy.”

Over the years, various presidents assigned different days for prayer throughout the country, but on May 5, 1988, President Ronald Reagan made the National Day of Prayer the first Thursday in May, saying: “Americans in every generation have turned to their Maker in prayer…We have acknowledged…our dependence on Almighty God.”

Please join us for this important day when various clergy will talk about the importance of prayer as we humbly ask for God’s mercy and blessing.