Joining others across the nation, Oklahoma Baptists will participate in a virtual National Day of Prayer, Thursday May 7. This national event that is usually celebrated with people gathering in churches or town squares to pray. This year, however, the observance will be different due to the current Coronavirus pandemic. Instead of gathering in person, participants of the prayer event are encouraged to congregate online.
The Oklahoma National Day of Prayer Task force is sponsoring a National Day of Prayer event that is normally hosted at Oklahoma State Capitol. The virtual event is set for Thursday, May 7, 12 noon-1 p.m. at: http://destinyokc.com/live.
The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention created a prayer guide for churches to “pray for Seven Center of Influence in America for the National Day of Prayer. The prayer guide can be downloaded at this link.
One advocate for the National Day of Prayer said social media can be an effective gathering point for people who participate in the prayer-focused event. “We are encouraging everyone to pray throughout the day and encourage others to join with you online,” the advocate said. “Post your written prayer by text or video on your own website with the #NationalDayofPrayer hashtag. Join the prayer movement this year for God to move in great ways across your community, our country and world.”
In keeping with this approach, Oklahoma Baptists will post brief videos throughout the day on official social media accounts. The videos will hosted by ministry partners who will lead prayers for a variety of topics.
Alan Quigley, associate executive director for Oklahoma Baptists explained the goal is to provide a way for Oklahoma churches to seek the Lord for a movement of God across our country and around the world while practicing social distancing.
“We are going to be praying for our president as well as our national, state and city officials. There will be prayer for our communities and neighbors,” Quigley said. “We will ask the Lord to strengthen churches to advance the Gospel. We want to remember the vulnerable and those that have lost loved ones during this time. Petitions will also include intercessions for teachers, schools, students as well as for parents, healthcare workers, and first responders.”
To join in the prayers, follow Oklahoma Baptists on Facebook at http://Facebook.com/OklahomaBaptists
The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday in May. This day of observance, designated by the United States Congress, asks people “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” The modern law formalizing the annual National Day of Prayer observance was enacted in 1952 and each year since, the President of the United States has signed a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.
