On behalf of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, we want to take a moment to share with you some of the exciting ways God has been expanding our ministry and increasing America's awareness of the significance and power of prayer. Seeds have been planted and lives changed. Indeed, the Lord is moving in this great nation, and we are privileged to be a part of His ongoing work.
Each year brings new opportunities to champion the cause of prayer and much of the credit goes to a dynamic network of volunteers. Their dedicated efforts within their communities, coupled with a greater focus on the impact of social media, brought the NDP message to more than 700,000 people per week! Approximately 43,000 gatherings resulted. From churches, parks, and civic centers to the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C., millions of men and women raised their hearts and voices before the Lord in a public expression of their religious freedom...and this was just the beginning of one incredible year!
We are excited to announce that Dr. Tony Evans will serve as the 2016 Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer. Dr. Evans is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, founder and president of The Urban Alternative, former chaplain of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and present chaplain of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. His radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on nearly 1,000 US radio outlets daily and in more than 130 countries.
Dr. Tony Evans has written a special prayer to be simultaneously read throughout the nation at noon (ET) on Thursday, May 5. This recitation will create a huge wave of prayer, flowing from one coast to the other, illustrating the unity of God's people and acknowledging His dominion over the circumstances facing us.
The 65th annual National Day of Prayer, May 5, 2016, will have profound significance for our country. It is an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord's healing and renewing power made manifest as we call on citizens to humbly come before His throne.
Our theme for 2016 is Wake Up America, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to return to the God of Fathers in reverence for His Holy Name. To further highlight our theme, we've chosen Isaiah 58:1a as our Scripture for this year: "Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet."
Millions of people will gather to pray at thousands of events facilitated by our volunteer coordinators and people just like you! We hope you'll join with our staff again as we seek to bring more communities than ever before together in prayer. As a way of assisting you, we have assembled a variety of resources that equip you to organize and publicize prayer gatherings, citywide prayer breakfasts, worship services, and rallies. These materials also present creative ideas geared toward helping individuals and families to establish meaningful devotional times. If you have any questions after reviewing these items, please don't hesitate to contact our NDP staff at (800) 444-8828. We would count it a privilege to lend a hand in whatever manner we are able.
