"Prayer is not an excuse for non-action. Rather, prayer is the proper preparation for action."
—Rev. John Perkins

Prior to the Promise Keepers gathering in Washington, DC, the meeting area and city streets were prayer-walked as men claimed the city for Christ. This "Sacred Assembly of Men" drew over 1.2 million and had an incredible life changing impact on those who attended. When Focus on the Family held their Renewing the Heart conference in Nashville, Tennessee, forty men walked around the coliseum in prayer while women roamed the inside praying and claiming each seat for Christ. This conference was planned for 16,000 women, but over 19,000 attended with thousands more on a waiting list.

As the National Day of Prayer rapidly approaches and many of us get caught up in coordinating observances, we must not forget to blanket our events in prayer. God is not so much concerned about what we can do for Him as He is about what He can do through us. He is looking for Christians who are faithful, available and teachable. As our "preparation for action" begins, pray!

Pray for Resources
God does not call the blessed, He blesses the called. Ask the Lord to provide financial and volunteer support, location for greatest impact, positive media exposure and the right participants. Look with anxious anticipation to what He delivers and who He raises up.

Pray for Guidance
We need to plan our events, but let God guide our steps. In addition, we must spend time in prayer and "hear" God as He directs our efforts. If we follow His will, our work will last, but if it is of human origin, it will fail. Pray that He directs your steps as you put your programs together and reach out to your community.

Pray for Hearts
Only God will know the heart impact of these observances, some seeds maybe sown while some needs may be met. Pray for disciples to be raised up to nurture the seeds that take root. Pray for those who will participate—that their spiritual eyes may be opened to the importance and power of prayer. Also, pray for our leaders to be open to God's guidance and wisdom. Pray that they may know and understand Proverbs 21:1, "The heart of the king is in the hands of the Lord, He directs it like a water-course, wherever He pleases.” They need to put their dependence on God’s wisdom and not on their own.

Pray for the Nation
Second Chronicles 7:14 begins by stating: "If My people who are called by My name … " Christians need to understand that this verse is directed at them. For the most part, non-Christians are doing what they know how to do by nature—sin. As Christians, we must come together and repent of our lack of commitment and conviction and become the "salt and light" that brings spiritual awakening. Remember that you and your efforts are in our prayers.

Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc. For reprint information call 630-260-6200. Taken from "Prayer Lines," the official newsletter of the National Day of Prayer. Used by permission.

Visit the National Day of Prayer Website at http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org.