On Thursday, May 3, America will observe its 61st National Day of Prayer. With moral conditions at an all-time low, an exploding national debt and a critical election, this year has unusual significance. There is no question that many who founded our nation had a strong reliance upon God. Because their generations earnestly sought God in united prayer, they saw a surprising work of grace.
Since our founding, America has experienced two Great Awakenings and two more that brought significant spiritual revival. Tragically, it has now been more than 150 years since our nation has witnessed a major explosion of revival and evangelism. Yet, God has not lost His power. Each of the past awakenings were preceded by one key element—fervent, united prayer. We can take hope in the God who can still “rend the heavens” when believers seek His face.
All Oklahoma pastors have received a letter with many options for powerful prayer on May 3. Every Oklahoman is free to log on onto our website for a variety of personal, small group, church or community-wide prayer tools. Many of the resources are downloadable or available in book form for nominal prices. The Office of Prayer encourages all Oklahomans to participate in one or more of the following opportunities on or around May 3.
Conduct Church-wide or Small Group Prayer Meetings
On Wed. evening, May 2, or Thur., May 3, many churches will observe corporate prayer for the state and nation. For prayer guides and formats, check the Office of Prayer website. Many churches encourage their members to pray in the sanctuary throughout the day of May 3. If your church is having no special observance, a home prayer group is a good option. Whether it is church-wide or small group, united prayer is powerful. (Matt. 18:20)
Attend the State Capitol Prayer Service
(May 3, noon-1 p.m.)
The Office of Prayer encourages Oklahomans to unite and pray at the State Capitol from noon-1 p.m. on May 3. Join Oklahoma’s top government leaders, military, businessmen, educators, church and family leaders to pray for the state and nation. A music concert by the Voices begins at 11:30 a.m. The prayer meeting will begin at noon. The meeting is located on the second floor of the Capitol Rotunda. If the south parking lot is full, there is ample room in the east parking lot. We encourage those outside the central state region to check for events at their local city halls.
Attend the Pastors’ and Ministry Leaders’ Prayer Time
(May 3, 10-11:30 a.m.)
Pastors and spiritual leaders are encouraged to join together to pray for our families, communities, city, state, nation and leaders. A major focus will be revival and spiritual awakening. This special prayer time will be in the Governor’s Blue Room on the second floor of the State Capitol. The prayer time is from 10-11:30 a.m. The prayer meeting will be led by Gregory Frizzell.
Region-wide Night of Prayer at Oklahoma Baptist University
(May 3, 7–8:30 p.m. in the Geiger Center)
Historic revivals have often been heavily influenced by students. In light of the vital importance of students and student leaders, there is no better place to pray than OBU on May 3. As well as praying for revival in the nation, we will give special focus to praying for all Oklahoma students and for the upcoming summer camps. Attending would be a great way both to pray and show support for our students. We strongly encourage area churches to ask their people to attend. It is our belief God is up to something powerful in Oklahoma students.
The OBU prayer meeting location is the Geiger Center on the lower level in the west end of the building. The Center is located directly east of Raley Chapel and north of Ladies Kerr Dorm. Parking is located northwest of the Geiger Center. Attendees can enter off McArthur St., which runs on the north side of the university. A few parking sites may also be found on the south side of Geiger. The service will be led by Gregory Frizzell, Gerald Kelly and Dale Griffin.
“Blessed is the Nation Who’s God is the Lord.” (Psalm 33:12)
On May 3, there are many opportunities for united prayer in our state. May God find Oklahomans faithful to unite and seek His face. There is no better way to end this article than a direct quote from Abraham Lincoln as he presided over a war-torn land. Consider his powerful words. “. . . it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history: that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord . . . .”
Gregory Frizzell is prayer and spiritual awakening specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.
