It has been said that history belongs to the intercessors. Those who pray in alignment with God’s will play a vital role in advancing the gospel. Scripture reminds us, “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 GNT).

United in Prayer

Our nation faces a historic opportunity for spiritual renewal as we emerge from challenges surrounding the global pandemic. One way we move toward spiritual renewal is through fervent, united prayer rooted in the hope of God’s Word. On May 6, 2021, American Bible Society will join intercessors across our nation in collective prayer for America through the 70th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. This annual day of prayer that began in 1952 by a joint act of Congress continues to designate this united day of prayer on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for our nation.

Praying God’s Word

This year’s National Day of Prayer theme Scripture is 2 Corinthians 3:17 (CEV), “The Lord and the Spirit are one and the same, and the Lord’s Spirit sets us free.” On the foundation of Christ’s lordship and saving grace, we pray boldly in unity for God’s good purposes to be established in our nation through this year’s prayer theme, “Lord, Pour Out Your Love, Life, and Liberty.”

On May 6, thousands of praying communities will gather for virtual and in-person prayer observances across all 50 states and U.S. territories. We join this bold chorus of prayer for the Lord to pour out his Spirit of love, life, and liberty upon individuals, families, churches, and in every sphere of society, impacting media, arts, and entertainment, as well as education, business, healthcare, and governmental platforms. Several Christian television and news radio outlets will air the National Day of Prayer broadcast live at 8p ET.

Three Ways to Pray on the National Day of Prayer

1. Unity: In partnership with National Day of Prayer’s United in Love Campaign, pray that leaders of churches and para-church organizations across America would be unified in heart and mission through this campaign, according to Colossians 2:2 (GNT) which says, “I do this in order that they may be filled with courage and may be drawn together in love, and so have the full wealth of assurance which true understanding brings. In this way they will know God’s secret, which is Christ himself.”
2. Strength: Pray for believers across this nation to be devoted to Jesus and be encouraged and strengthened in their faith as they act in obedience to God’s call, just as God required of Joshua and assured him: “Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 GNT)
3. Transformation: Pray for U.S. cities to experience the transforming power of Jesus. Pray for families, businesses, schools, and governmental systems across our nation’s cities to reflect Romans 12:2 (GNT): “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.”