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ETBU participates in National Day of Prayer

May 3, 2018

East Texas Baptist University held an observance of the annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 3. The 2018 theme was Pray for America - UNITY, based on Ephesians 4:3. Texas State Representative (District 9) Chris Paddie and Harrison County Judge Hugh Taylor, along with other ETBU community members, led the campus in a special prayer service. 

"I pray that those in authority would constantly seek Your will. Father, give them wisdom and discernment as they make decisions and govern. We trust that you will bless and encourage them as they carry out their duties," Paddie petitioned. "As someone who has the honor of service to represent our state, I pray that I would continue to seek Your face and follow Your direction in my life. I ask that You would give me the strength and courage to stand up for what I believe in." 

The ETBU National Day of Prayer focused on praying for the nation, military, governmental leaders, local school educators, and students. The service also consisted of corporate worship, featuring hymns of praise, petition, and blessing.  

"Personally, I was moved by the humble and honest prayers of our governmental leaders and ETBU faculty, staff, and students. I am thankful for how God uses their leadership to impact our region, state, and world for His glory," ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. "As an institution committed to Christ, we believe in the power of prayer and seek God's wisdom. Today, we unite with believers of different faiths to pray for peace in the United States and across our land. We don't need bridges that are divided by walls; we need bridges that unite us together as Americans. America must stand as a beacon of light for freedom in Christ." 

The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, May 5, 1988, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer. Every U.S. President since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation. 

"God, we pray for the leaders of the City of Marshall and Harrison County and ask that You would align their vision with Yours. Give them discernment and understanding as they seek to do what is right in Your sight," Taylor expressed. "Please protect and comfort the fire and police departments as they put themselves in harm's way to serve others. I lift up all of the community leaders who do not know You. Bring them Your Word and Spirit, that they may believe in the one and only Truth."

To learn more, visit the National Day of Prayer Task Force website at NationalDayofPrayer.org.
 

National Day of  Prayer 2018