My name is Suzanne Foss. I am part of the committee for planning the National Day of Prayer events in Albert Lea. I would like to share some history on the National Day of Prayer. Prayer has always been an important part of our nation’s history. In 1776, the Continental Congress called for prayer at each step of developing a constitution, and a new nation was preceded by prayer. When the Constitutional Convention was at a roadblock in 1787, Benjamin Franklin made a special request for prayer saying “…I see this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? I there therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberations be held in this Assembly every morning…” (Christian Defense Fund, One Nation Under God, 1997)

The idea for balance of power through three branches of government came from Isaiah 33:22 “..The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler, the Lord is our king…”

From 1776 to the 21st century, American leaders have recognized the importance of calling upon the Lord for direction and deliverance. In 1952, President Harry Truman signed a joint resolution of Congress establishing an annual national day of prayer and it was passed unanimously by both U.S. Houses. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan and Congress amended the law to designate the first Thursday of every May to be an annual observance.

I hope you will join us for our local observance of the 66th National Day of Prayer on Thursday. The noon event will be outside of the Freeborn County Courthouse. The evening event will be at 6:30 p.m. at the AZ ONE Ministry Center on 335 Clark St. People from different churches and areas of life will be leading prayer and songs.

Suzanne Foss

Albert Lea