JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Timothy 2:1 to 4.

“I urge then, first of all that petitions, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

On Thursday, Americans will gather in over 60,000 local community events to pray for this nation.

People will be praying for strong foundations among families.

For our churches to be salt and light for the Gospel.

For the wisdom of government leaders as they make critical decisions.

For businesses to be innovative and thrive with integrity.

And for educators to pass along wisdom and instruction for today’s generation of students. They will become the leaders of tomorrow.

This Light Reflection inspires us to pray for the leaders among us in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

The National Day of Prayer is this Thursday.  I’ve built a special playlist for the occasion, complete with songs relating to this year’s theme (“Wake Up America”) and verse (Isaiah 58:1A).  I’ve also made sure to include a bunch of Michael W. Smith worship songs since he’ll be live at The Junction Center for the Lancaster County Celebration of Prayer at 6:00 p.m. this Thursday.  You can come, too–It’s free!  Details here: http://lancasterndp.com/

Kristi Leigh – WJTL DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com

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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from First Kings 8:28.

Solomon prayed, “Give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.”

This is the verse connecting with the theme for the National Day of Prayer today-“Lord, Hear Our Cry.”

This theme emphasizes our need to trust in the unfailing character of God, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and people. The National Honorary Chairman, Dr. Jack Graham, has written a prayer for this special occasion. This is part of that prayer:

“We come to You in the Name that is above every name-Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You. Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God-the One we trust in times like these-we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land. We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, our Savior, Amen.”

Humbling ourselves to Pray for our nation is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the united voice of God’s family.

In Romans 15:5 and 6, the Apostle Paul said to the church, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This is the official verse for the National Day of Prayer observance tomorrow (Thursday, May 1^{st 2014}). The official theme is “One Voice, United In Prayer.” Prayer is a significant and powerful opportunity for God’s people to come together and acknowledge our nation’s need for God’s grace. Prayer brings God’s people closer together.

According to the National Day of Prayer website, millions of people will gather to pray at thousands of events facilitated by volunteer coordinators.  As we come together, we will take our concerns for this nation to God’s throne of grace. According to Second Chronicles 7:14, when God’s people get serious about prayer with personal humility and repentance, God responds with His healing hand on that nation.

The united voice of God’s family is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com