National Day of Prayer ’17

This morning First Baptist Paducah – as part of the National Day of Prayer observance – enjoyed the honor and privilege of hosting the 2017 Mayor/Judge Executive Prayer Breakfast in our Great Room. It was standing room only, and for that we are most thankful to our gracious God.

The theme of this year’s annual observance of the National Day of Prayer is “For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us … Forgive Us … Heal Us!” – inspired by Daniel 9:19. If you haven’t yet taken the time to pray for America, and for those in authority over us, I would urge you to do that today (First Timothy 2:1-4).

Just a bit of history, if you’ll indulge me. On April 17, 1952, a bill initiated by Mr. Conrad Hilton (of the Hilton hotel family) and Senator Frank Carlson of Kansas was passed (Public Law 82-324). The law stipulated that the President of the United States was to set aside an appropriate day each year, other than Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer. The first National Day of Prayer observance happened in 1983 at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in Washington D.C., with featured speakers Vice President George Bush and Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie (who went on to become Chaplain of the United States Senate). And the National Day of Prayer has been happening ever since.

The proceeds from today’s event at First Baptist Paducah will be directed to Hope Unlimited. You may know that Hope Unlimited Family Care Center is one of our local ministry partners, and we are so blessed to be able to serve Christ alongside them. Begun in 1989, Hope Unlimited supports and empowers the entire family, assisting women with pregnancy tests and prenatal medical services, engaging fathers in the parenting process, and educating school-aged youth. Free and confidential services are available from Hope’s Metropolis and Paducah centers.

The spirit in the Great Room this morning was: “WE LOVE PADUCAH!” And it’s true. We extend a special word of thanks and heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Brandi Harless and County Judge Executive Bob Leeper. It is an honor to serve our city, and our community, with you.

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, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We love Paducah.

Pastor Charles