THIS 12TH DAY OF EASTER, 'IS THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER'...........

Cinco de Mayo, the date in 1862, that Mexico defeated France, is celebrated today as a rather minor holiday in Mexico; but for the past forty years or so, as a major ethnic and cultural holiday by Mexican Americans.  Since 1952, by designation of the United States Congress, and the President, beginning in the modern era, with President Harry Truman, today - the first Thursday of May, is the National Day of Prayer.  Americans were invited to, Turn to God in prayer and meditation".  The concept of a National Day of Prayer, has its origins going back to George Washington, the First American President, who promulgated a proclamation at the Continental Congress, recommended by them, saying - "A day of publick prayer, humiliation, and fasting", be observed on July 20, 1775".   President John Adams, during the time of war like tensions with France, also declared a day of, "solemn humility, prayer, and fasting, by persons of all faiths in our country, to pray, that our country be protected from all dangers that threaten it", on May 9, 1798.  President Abraham Lincoln, declared a similar day of humility, fasting, and prayer, on April 30, 1863.
The Reverend Billy Graham, promoted the declaration of the modern day National Day of Prayer, of which today, is the 60th annual observance.  President Obama has issued a proclamation from the White House designating today - National Day of Prayer, by proclaiming, "Throughout our history Americans have turned to prayer for strength, inspiration, and solidarity"...........Therefore, I Barack Obama, President of the United States, do heredby decalare May 5, 2011, as a National Day of Prayer.  I invite all citizens of our country, as their faith or conscience directs them, to join me in giving thanks for all the blessings we enjoy,and I ask all people of faith to join me in asking God, for guidance, mercy, and protection, for our nation".Therefore as persons of Faith, who are Believers in the Eternal God, and Easter People, on this 12th of 50 Glorious Days in this Paschal Season, Let Us Pray God's abundant blessings upon the United States of America, and all Creation, on this National Day of Prayer 2011...........Fr.  Troy

...........I participated in National Day of Prayer events during my years as Pastor of Yreka, Oroville, and Citrus Heights...........