JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—The 54th National Day of Prayer (NDP) May 5 will once again bring Christians outside church walls to beseech God to bless their communities.

As American troops fight for democracy and freedom around the globe, citizens of the United States are preparing to celebrate their freedom to gather, worship and pray. Millions will answer the call to prayer by flocking to observances held in public venues to pray for the nation, governmental leaders, media, and schools.

This year’s theme is “God Shed His Grace On Thee” and is based on Hebrews 4:16 NIV—“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

National Day of Prayer chairperson Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder and chairman James Dobson, said “the concept of grace is preeminent in both the National Day of Prayer theme and the supporting verse for this year.”

Shirley Dobson said, in a press release, the National Day of Prayer provides people the opportunity to be “humble” before God in asking for help for the nation.

“In asking God to forgive our collective rebellion against Him, we can also pray for our schools, the media and especially our governmental leaders, asking the Lord to grant them wisdom and yes, grace, for the challenges they face on a daily basis,” Dobson said. “How encouraging to know that our loving heavenly Father listens and responds to our personal and corporate petitions, enabling us to ‘receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’”

Noted author and pastor Max Lucado is the 2005 honorary chairman and will address the national event in Washington, D.C. In addition to his appearance at the national observance, Lucado has released, Turn: Remembering Our Foundations, this year’s theme book.

Though the NDP is wide in scope, Florida Baptists have many opportunities to publicly join hands with others at prayer luncheons and rallies. The NDP Web site lists at least 55 events in Florida May 5.

For descriptions of events surrounding the National Day of Prayer, visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org. For assistance in impacting your community through prayer, contact the NDP Task Force at (719) 531-3379.