President Trump has already demonstrated his commitment to prayer.
And he’s been joined in those appeals by Vice President Mike Pence.
In a recent statement, Pence asked Americans to pray specifically for this:
“[Please pray for] doctors and nurses and healthcare workers who have cared for our families as if they were our own.”
“For the police, firefighters and first responders who have rendered care and spend those impacted by this dread virus to healing hands,” Pence continued.
“[And please pray for] the men and women who defend this nation and are standing [at] a post at this hour in far-flung places around the world,” the Vice President finished.
Pence made this plea during the National Day of Prayer service in early May. Standing alongside President Trump and American religious leaders, Pence thanked Americans for their faithful and fervent prayer throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“[My wife] Karen and I will both attest that the sweetest words that we ever heard are when people will take a moment, walk up, and say, ‘I’m praying for you,’” Pence said.
“And you know they mean it from their hearts and we hear it all of the time. We can attest, firsthand, America is a nation of prayer.”
President Trump’s administration has prioritized prayer throughout the current crisis. His National Day of Prayer proclamation urged Americans to “come together and pray [for] even greater faith [in God’s] divine providence” throughout these troubling times.
“Today, as much as ever, our prayerful tradition continues as our Nation combats the coronavirus,” the President wrote in his proclamation.
“During the past weeks and months, our heads have bowed at places outside of our typical houses of worship, whispering in silent solitude for God to renew our spirit and carry us through unforeseen and seemingly unbearable hardships.”
“Even though we have been unable to gather together in fellowship with our church families, we are still connected through prayer and the calming reassurance that God will lead us through life’s many valleys,” Trump added.
It’s been refreshing to see Pence join President Trump in this concerted prayer effort, underlining for the entire nation the importance of faith in God.
“The American people have long believed in the power of prayer, that the effective and fervent prayer of a righteous person availeth much,” Pence said.
“In everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, we’re to present our request to God with the promise that the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus,” Pence added, paraphrasing Philippians 4:6-7.
“[Prayer] is the core that runs through every era of American history,” Pence continued, reflecting on the importance of a National Day of Prayer, especially in this unprecedented time.
Pence went onto describe the examples of past Presidents’ calls to prayer.
“In 1775, the Second Continental Congress established a day of fasting and prayer.”
“In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln urged Americans to pray so that, in his words, ‘The united cry of the nation would be heard on high, and answered with a blessing.’”
“And since 1952, every president has issued a proclamation in honor of the National Day of Prayer,” Pence finished.
The President and Vice President thanked citizens across the country for their faithful prayers, encouraging them to continue praying for those engaged in the fight against COVID-19.
“Thank you for all you have done to see your family, your friends, your neighbors, and even strangers through these unprecedented times,” Pence said. “But today, with the deepest respect and a grateful heart, we urge you to be persistent in prayer.”
Pence acknowledged the sacrifices and bravery of first responders, healthcare workers, and military personnel across the nation and around the globe, asking Americans to intercede on their behalf.
The Vice President closed his remarks by paraphrasing 2 Chronicles 7:14.
“On this National Day of Prayer, as we pray for the American people, for every American of every creed, let’s do so with faith in those ancient words that Americans have clung to throughout our history,” Pence said.
“‘That if His people who are called by His name will humble themselves and pray…he’ll do like He’s always done throughout every challenging hour in the history of this nation. He’ll hear from Heaven, and He’ll heal this land.”
Let’s heed Pence’s call to prayer and faithfully intercede for our nation and our world. May God hear the prayers of His people!
