…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

 

Today is National Day of Prayer– a day set aside for a national observance of God’s sovereignty over our nation, whether it be his provision, judgment, blessing or protection.

Whether gathered together in groups, alone during quiet times, in Bible studies or even in worship services, multitudes will pray for our nation today. Many will pray for revival…many will pray for repentance…many will pray for mercy…many will pray specifically for leaders, certain policies and certainly our wayward culture…the list goes on and on

Our nation has seen times of great prosperity and times of tribulation. We have seen leaders, presidents, and cultural icons come and go. We have, as a nation, suffered tragedy and triumph. Through it all, two things have been constant.

The Lord has always been, and always will be, over every circumstance our nation faces.

And He hears our prayers.

While last year’s National Day of Prayer event in Washington, DC, was canceled due to COVID fears, this year’s national gathering has been canceled because the Capitol is now surrounded by fences with no public visitors allowed. It is an unmistakable bellwether of the direction our nation has taken in recent months.

And yet here is our great and hopeful truth:  no matter the fences, viruses, rulers, policies, laws, or mandates, none of them can stop prayer. Nothing can.

It was in January that Family Policy Alliance launched a new prayer initiative specifically focused on the direction of our nation and the policy challenges we saw coming.

As we looked around and saw cultural decay, political strife, radicalization of public policy, a disregard for truth, cancel culture, and a headlong dive into progressivism, we knew that initiating prayer was the right step. We called it Under God – One Nation, and many of you signed up to join us in those prayers.

Since then, we have been providing prayer updates on the issues we see affecting our nation and how we have been praying about them. Whether it is cultural change, the Biden-Harris Administration, Congress or legislative challenges in one state or another, there is no end to the things that we can be praying for, and we hope you will join us in prayer today (and every day).

Over the past few months, we have seen prayers answered with victories in a number of states. We also have ongoing prayer for things that we are trusting the Lord to work out, remembering that He hears our prayers and that our persistence is key.

Victories

• Pro-Life victories – Over 60 pro-life laws have been enacted in various states across the nation!
• Girls’ and Women’s Sports – Several states have enacted protections to safeguard girls’ sports from male participants.

Ongoing Prayer

• Preservation of the Hyde Amendment – this important provision keeps federal taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, and removing its protections is a major goal of some on the Left.
• Defeat of the Equality Act – The Equality Act is a dangerous piece of legislation that would defy science by redefining sex (male or female) throughout federal law.
• Protection of the unborn – Sadly, the Biden-Harris Administration has rolled back many pro-life rules and is promoting abortion at breakneck speed.
• Senate Filibuster – Currently the filibuster is the only thing keeping the Senate from passing many dangerous pieces of legislation. It hangs by a thread in the 50-50 Senate.

You can find more on our Under God – One Nation prayer initiative page where you can also sign up for a regular prayer time.

We hope you will join us.

This year marks 70 years since Reverend Billy Graham stood on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, DC, and called for Congress and the president to establish a day of prayer. In April of that year, President Truman signed the legislation into law.

We live in a different culture now, but we know that regardless of the political, cultural and policy changes that occur, God is still in control and nothing passes his notice…nothing.

Prayerfully,

Robert Noland
Communications Manager

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
1 Timothy 2:1-3

On this National Day of Prayer, New Jerseyeans from across the theological spectrum and political aisle will dedicate a time of prayer. Democrats and Republicans will bow their heads – and some will even humble their hearts – to pray for the common good.

As we reflect and earnestly pray today for those in authority, let us remember what the Apostle Paul said was the end result of those specific prayers – a peaceful and quiet life. Is that even attainable in our current climate?

Our nation is inflamed with intentional polarization thereby making civility a rare commodity. Big tech profits from political antagonism, creating the preferred echo chamber that keeps people unchallenged in their ideology. Some politicians desperately, and at times, hypocritically, engage in un-statesman like public rhetoric to increase small donors and heighten their national profile. Big media cloaks reality in their conceived narrative to persuade the consumer and control their actions, rather than simply informing and educating them on the facts.

Those in authority have been given a unique platform by which to lead. Despite the best of intentions or the worst of objectives – their decisions, conduct, and priorities can make life challenging. In other words, whether you agree or disagree with their policies and positions on certain issues, you are urged to pray for them, because the failure to do so will impact your family. And above all, we pray because it pleases God.

Let me reassure you that we pray weekly for Governor Murphy and the state legislators in both political parties. I want to encourage you to do the same. Please do not forget that in the middle of policy disagreements, grassroots mobilization, and election activity, we have no enemies, only opportunities.

Hopefully, you can join other believers on this National Day of Prayer. We are also praying for you and all our ministry partners. If you ever have any prayer requests, please email newjersey@familypolicyalliance.com so we can lift you up before the Lord!

Protecting your family,

Shawn Hyland
Executive Director

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Today is the National Day of Prayer, and it promises to be unlike any other our nation has seen in recent memory. Though many events will be virtual, National Day of Prayer is shaping up to be the biggest event so far! Today, we come together with united hearts and prayers asking for our nation to be filled with the glory of the knowledge of God—this year’s theme for National Day of Prayer.

As Christians, we have everlasting hope in Christ, even when we are suffering and our nation experiences unique challenges. We have hope because God’s Word assures us all our present suffering is temporary and can’t be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us. God’s Word also charges us to continue to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Family Policy Alliance® has leaned into God’s promises and continues to press forward in the mission to which He’s called our ministry. As we all join together in prayer today for our nation and our states, I would like to invite you to join us in praying for these four specific needs:

1. Over the past couple months, the abortion industry has ramped up their efforts to push abortion-on-demand—even in the midst of COVID-19. They are also attempting to make “virtual abortions” (those where an abortion drug is prescribed over webcam) widely available. Family Policy Alliance has been on the front lines standing against the abortion lobby. Please join us in praying that life will prevail over death in America.
2. We continue to hear from parents experiencing truly harmful (sometimes even pornographic) curriculum in their children’s schools. We work to equip these parents with their rights—and even to help them change the laws and regulations in their states or districts. Will you join us in praying for God’s hand of protection to be on children in America’s schools and strength for their parents to take appropriate action??
3. Churches have willingly closed their doors—while still doing Kingdom work in many amazing ways—in order to help with efforts to stop COVID-19. Yet, in many places, churches have also been targets for religious discrimination in the midst of the hodgepodge of regulations surrounding states and cities. We have been informing and equipping churches so they can work with government bodies—and push back when government goes too far. Will you pray for America’s churches as they serve their communities with passion and grace—and as they take a stand for religious freedom when necessary?
4. As the dust settles on COVID-19, America will head into a monumental event—Election 2020. Will you pray for God to call men and women who seek to serve Him first in their roles as lawmakers to run for office at the local, state and national levels? And will you pray that this election will make it possible for our laws to better protect life, help families thrive, and honor our God?

As you join millions of others tomorrow in prayer, know that Family Policy Alliance is joining in to pray for this nation—and for you.

For His glory,

Stephanie Curry
Policy Manager

 

P.S. For National Day of Prayer events, resources, prayer guides and more visit https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/

“Love one another. Just as I have loved you.” -John 13:34

Dear Friends:

In 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a joint resolution establishing the National Day of Prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer.

Since that time, every President has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation inviting people of faith to pray for our country.

I am pleased to announce that we have once again partnered with New Mexico Prays for this year’s National Day of Prayer gathering in Albuquerque. Special guests will include Pastor Skip Heitzig of Calvary Church, Archbishop John Wester of the Diocese of Santa Fe, other New Mexico pastors, and several local leaders. The gathering will begin at 11:30 a.m., at Civic Plaza. I hope to see you there!

The national theme this year is “Love One Another,” taken from John 13:34. As such, we will be focusing our prayers this year on the following prayer points:

1. Pray for America to love one another.
2. Pray for the church in America to love one another.
3. Pray for families, workplaces, communities, and cities in America to love one another.
4. Pray for all ethnicities and people in America to love one another.
5. Pray we will love God and each other so much that we will agree clearly, unite visibly, and pray extraordinarily for the next great spiritual awakening in America.
6. Pray for forgiveness for the sins we have committed against God in America. We fail Him by dishonoring one another through our harsh and bitter words about each other. We fail Him through broken relationships. We fail Him by devaluing human life from conception until death. And we fail Him with the division in our nation.

 For those of you outside the Albuquerque area, there are several other National Day of Prayer events happening across the state, including gatherings in Alamogordo, Belen, Clovis, Gallup, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Roswell, Ruidoso, Santa Fe, and Taos. You can access a list of those events on the National Day of Prayer website by clicking here.

Wherever you are on Thursday, May 2—whether at a National Day of Prayer event, at work, or in the comfort of your home—I encourage you to join us as we lift up our state and nation in prayer and ask God to bring healing and revival.

Blessings,

Vince Torres
President and Executive Director

Every day is a day to pray for America, but this Thursday – the National Day of Prayer – is a special reminder of the critical importance of lifting our nation before the Lord.

We all have a tendency to trust in our own efforts.  At Family Policy Alliance, we certainly believe that this team effort to mobilize citizens, equip Statesmen, and elect principled, pro-family leaders is a proven and worthy plan.  But we dare not put our trust in it.  As the Psalmist wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

So please do join with Family Policy Alliance in these efforts.  But together, let’s put our trust in the only One who can truly heal our land.  And that starts with hitting our knees on Thursday – and hopefully every day.

“…making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 (CSB)

Dear Friends:

In 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a joint resolution passed by the U.S. Congress establishing the National Day of Prayer. Since that time, every President has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation inviting people of faith to pray for our nation.

This year, I am pleased to announce that Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico has partnered with New Mexico Prays, a cross-denominational, Christ-centered prayer movement, to help organize this year’s National Day of Prayer gathering in Albuquerque. Special guests will include Pastor Skip Heitzig, Archbishop John Wester, other New Mexico pastors, and several local leaders. The gathering will begin at 11:30 a.m., at Civic Plaza. We hope to see you there!

The national theme this year is UNITY, taken from Ephesians 4:13 – “…making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” As such, we will be focusing some of our prayer on the following prayer points:

• Prayer for unity in the church;
• Prayer for unity in families, workplaces, communities, and cities;
• Prayer for unity among all ethnicities and people; and
• Prayer that we agree clearly, unite visibly, and pray extraordinarily for a Great Spiritual Awakening in our state and nation

For those of you outside the Albuquerque area, there are several other National Day of Prayer events happening across the state, including gatherings in Alto, Alamogordo, Deming, Las Cruces, Los Lunas, Rio Rancho, Ruidoso, Santa Fe, and Taos. You can access a list of those events on the National Day of Prayer website.

.My good friend, Pastor Brian Alarid, Chairman of New Mexico Prays, once said, “Prayer is the language that unites hearts, and unity paves the way for God to change a city, a state, and a nation.”

 We believe this. So, wherever you are next Thursday – whether at a National Day of Prayer event, or in the comfort of your home – please join us as we lift up our state and nation in prayer and ask the good Lord to do what only He can do.

God bless you and have a wonderful week.

Sincerely,

Vince Torres
Executive Director

 

President Donald Trump chose the 2017 celebration of the National Day of Prayer to sign an executive order strengthening religious freedom.

The Religious Liberty Executive Order received mixed reviews, but most evangelicals believe it is a good first step in the process.

“We will not allow people of faith to be targeted, bullied or silenced again and we will never stand for religious discrimination,” President Trump said at a ceremony in the Rose Garden.

Paul Weber, president and CEO of Family Policy Alliance, was cautiously optimistic.

“The previous Administration’s hostility toward the right to freely live out one’s faith was no secret,” he explained. “American employers and even faith-based charities were forced to choose between their faith and contributing to the good of our country’s economy and welfare.

“President Trump must continue to work to protect religious freedom. Family Policy Alliance and our network of 40 state-based family policy councils will work with families across the country to restore a nation where religious freedom flourishes.”

The National Day of Prayer Proclamation further supported President’s campaign promises to strengthen religious freedom. It’s one of the strongest proclamations we’ve seen for nearly a decade:

“We are also reminded and reaffirm that all human beings have the right, not only to pray and worship according to their consciences, but to practice their faith in their homes, schools, charities, and businesses – in private and in the public square – free from government coercion, discrimination, or persecution.  Religion is not merely an intellectual exercise, but also a practical one that demands action in the world.  Even the many prisoners around the world who are persecuted for their faith can pray privately in their cells.  But our Constitution demands more:  the freedom to practice one’s faith publicly.”

TAKE ACTION
Thank the President and Vice President for taking this important first step in protecting religious freedom.