News Release

2023 National Day of Prayer in Guam observed

Around 200 Christians on the island of many different denominations gathered to pray for unity, families, friends, spiritual battles, and leaders of our nation and the island of Guam.

National-Day-of-Prayer-2023Download Photo

Two senior missionary couples, Elder Jim and Sister Jody Phillips and Elder Kim and Sister Cyndi Burtenshaw, from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended The National Day of Prayer on May 4, 2023.  There were some who were surprised to see them there, but the missionaries were received with graciousness and gratitude. It was held at The Life in The Son Christian Fellowship Church on Guam.

The National Day of Prayer is a special day for prayer and reflection that takes place on the First Thursday in May. This tradition dates back to 1775 when the Continental Congress appointed a time for prayer in forming a new nation.   It brings people of different faiths together. The National Day of Prayer encourages people from different religions and backgrounds to gather together in unity and solidarity. (https://www.holidaycalendar.io/holiday/national-day-of-prayer)

The theme for this year was “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and avail much”  (James 5:16b NKJV) Around 200 Christians on the island of many different denominations gathered to pray for unity, families, friends, spiritual battles, and leaders of our nation and the island of Guam.  The meeting opened with a prayer for everyone attending.  There were many different “stations” around the room marked by banners, where people would gather in groups to pray over that specific topic.  At the “station”, the leader of that station would read the scripture that applied to it and then people would gather into small groups of about 3-6 people.   In these groups, people would individually offer a prayer out loud for their group to hear.  A timer was set for 10 minutes per station.  You were able to attend 5 stations.  Afterwards, everyone gathered again as an entire group.  Christian songs were sung with joy and enthusiasm.  A closing prayer was offered on behalf of everyone who prayed.

In his 1983 declaration, Ronald Reagan said, "From General Washington's struggle at Valley Forge to the present, this Nation has fervently sought and received divine guidance as it pursued the course of history. This occasion provides our Nation with an opportunity to further recognize the source of our blessings, and to seek His help for the challenges we face today and in the future." ("Proclamation 5017 – National Day of Prayer, 1983". Reagan.utexas.edu. Retrieved May 3, 2012.)

President Nelson talking about the National Day of Prayer in 2021 and 2022, said: “I have a firm belief that praying for those in need is pleasing to God; in fact, He commands us to turn to Him and to pray for others! However, it is my own personal experience that when I ask God in prayer for direction on what I can do to help minister, lift, love, and support those in need, He answers these prayers with specific and simple things I can actually do to bless one of His children.

I invite you to consider how your thoughts and prayers can be a catalyst for God to inspire and direct you toward acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity. Imagine how much good you could do in the world—and in your own family, school, and workplace. As we seek to be His healing and helping hands, we surely will exalt the Lord.” #NationalDayofPrayer

 “There is nothing more important right now than the people of all nations praying for divine inspiration and guidance,” President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said on his social channels.

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