The 60th Annual National Day of Prayer will take place today, Thursday, May 5, 2011. Millions will unite in prayer at thousands of events from coast to coast.  The theme, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God", is based on the verse from Psalm 91:2 which states: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  

Mrs. Joni Eareckson Tada will join Mrs. Shirley Dobson to lead the nation in prayer as the 2011 Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Tada will pray as follows:

Almighty God, you are our Mighty Fortress, our refuge and the God in whom we place our trust.  As our nation faces great distress and uncertainty, we ask your Holy Spirit to fall afresh upon your people — convict us of sin and inflame within us a passion to pray for our land and its people.  Grant the leaders of our country an awareness of their desperate need of wisdom and salvation in You until sin becomes a reproach to all and righteousness exalts this nation. 

Protect and defend us against our enemies and may the cause of Christ always prevail in our schools, courts, homes, and churches.  Lord God, send a spirit of revival and may it begin in our own hearts. 

Remember America, we pray.  Remember the foundations on which this country was built.  Remember the prayers of our nation’s fathers and mothers, and do not forget us in our time of need. 

In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

In his Presidential Proclamation released on April 29, Barack Obama recognizes the important role that prayer has played in the United States, saying, “Throughout our history, Americans have turned to prayer for strength, inspiration, and solidarity. Prayer has played an important role in the American story and in shaping our Nation’s leaders.” 

You may watch a video from the National Day of Prayer Task Force here.