There are arguments happening in your community and around the world, but the one thing I think we can all agree on is the power of prayer.
It is a consistent part of my daily life that started as a child. In the Tate home you couldn't escape prayer. As early as I can remember everything we did started with prayer. Before we ate a meal we said a prayer. Before we moved the car we said a prayer. Before we went to bed we said a prayer. Being exposed to prayer early on gave me the ability to use it as a tool and weapon throughout my adolescence and into adulthood.
Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer. According to the website, this day "was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, May 5, 1988, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer. Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation."
This year's theme is unity citing Ephesians 4:3; "making every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.
While some label prayer in schools as a controversial topic, it always gave me great pride to attend schools that allowed and implemented prayer from morning announcements to athletic events. I looked forward to "Prayer at the Pole" each year as members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes gathered around the flag pole and invited other students to join as we uplifted our student body, faculty, staff and community.
Although tomorrow has been declared a day of prayer across our nation, every day is a day of prayer in my life, and it has guided me through highs and lows. I challenge you to join hands and bow your head with those in your home, work or community and pray for others, pray for our country, pray for our world. Prayers are answered every day, and I'd love to lift you up. Spread the word and share a prayer. Join on social media using the #prayforunity.
XX,
Jasmine C. Tate