From George Washington to Barack Obama, almost every president has signed a proclamation of national prayer. But since the Reagan administration the National Day of Prayer has been institutionalized on the first Thursday of May. And this year, our nation may need prayer more than ever.
National Day of Prayer events in Madison have typically been held in and outside of the state capitol building. For the last six years the coordinator of the Wisconsin observance has been Joleen Helbig of Cumberland, Wisconsin. Helbig met with about a dozen local pastors and ministry leaders at Upper House on March 23rd to introduce this year’s theme and distribute resources to help promote the May 4th observance.
Although the National Day of Prayer has a national leadership–Anne Graham Lotz is the became the current Chair in 2016, following leadership by Vonette Bright and Shirley Dobson–Helbig called it a grass roots organization that relies on thousands of volunteers across the country. “We have to take personal ownership,” she said.
This year’s theme is from Daniel 9:19, “For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear us…Forgive us…Heal us.”
As in previous years, a room has been reserved in the capitol for prayer between 8:00a.m. and 5:00p.m., Room N413GAR. The prayer room is being coordinated by Rene Springer of Global Presence Ministries; churches and ministries are being invited to sign up to lead for each hour.
“Senators and representatives want our prayers,” Helbig said. “Most of the time they just hear the negative voices. This is something that encourages them.”
There will be a noon hour prayer rally at the King Street entrance to the capitol, as in recent years. Helbig said she would also like to see Madison churches host a morning and evening prayer time.
With thunder from an evening storm crashing outside, Helbig talked about the importance of churches working together. “I believe revival is coming and I believe it comes through the unity of the body of Christ,” she said.
Joleen Helbig can be contacted at joleen.wi.ndp@gmail.com.