Many took time out of their busy schedules this past Thursday (May 2, 2024) to pray. I was one of them as I celebrated the National Day of Prayer.
Home – National Day of Prayer Task Force
The theme “Lift up the Word-Light Up the World” resonated with me as I reflected on it the entire day.
“For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.”
2 Samuel 22:29-31
This weekend reinforced my faith as I participated in various activities honoring Sister Thea Bowman’s legacy during our Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary 76th Annual Gulf Coast District Conference held in Jackson, Mississippi.
I attended four prayer services starting Friday Night, Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning.
It was a great time seeing various Courts and Councils from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina all under one roof with one faith.
The Saturday evening Mass was celebrated with the Most Reverend Joseph R. Kopacz, Bishop of Jackson (Catholic Diocese of Jackson).
Last year, during the 75th Annual Gulf Coast District Conference in Mobile, AL, Father Manuel Williams, C.R. (Mission Director and Pastor) introduced us to Sister Thea Bowman’s world.
This year, Sister Thea Bowman’s legacy connections spanned the entire weekend.
The Legacy of Sister Thea Bowman – Wisconsin Life
As a nation, we are continually challenged and divided, and all faiths need prayer.
Therefore, for me, the National Day of Prayer was something I fully embraced that lasted the entire weekend.
Regardless of our religious preferences, we can pray for one another and those who help unite all.
My question is, how did you spend your National Day of Prayer this year, and do you have something to share as well?
“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Therefore, we all have our weaknesses and struggle to find peace tied to our inner peace. Today, I wish you the best in whatever religious practices you have, and may your heart and soul find the grace of God.
As you go about your day, I challenge you to think about the theme, “Lift Up the Word-Light Up the World.” Although National Prayer Day has passed until next year, what can we do to keep the light burning in our hearts?
I now invite you to consider what Sister Thea Bowan said about being a tremendous light.
“I think the difference between me, and some people is that I’m content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one would light a candle, we’d have a tremendous light.” ~Thea Bowman
McKinley, I try to hold the light high everyday, hopefully it can be a beacon for someone. I also had the pleasure of meeting Sister Thea as a teenager, her inspiration still affects my daily life.
Scott,
Thank you for sharing your insights today. You and I need to talk about your encounter meeting Sister Thea as a teenager. I await that conversation.
McKinley
McKinley, light shines brighter in darkness. Let’s continue to be bearers of light, instruments of change and oasis of love making a stronger and more positive difference in this world.
Gloria,
What an honor to have your comments. So true that “light shines brighter in darkness.” Very profound words!
McKinley
We do have Light. If I’m feeling good, I’ll try to shine from inside, else I’ll do my best to reflect the sun/Son.. I am reflecting today.. thinking about some recent past.
Greg,
I’m glad that you are feeling good and have light! Continue to shine brightly!
McKinley
Good evening CM, I did not participate in National Prayer Day. However, one of the prayers I say before entering my workplace is for GOD to keep in the flow of his spirit. This stems from me reading “The Me I Want to Be” by John Ortberg some years ago in which the word “river” is mentioned several times as an analogy of us allowing GODs spirit to flow through us like a river. In addition, John Ortberg shares with his readers that the word river is mentioned over 150 times in the bible and challenges us to be like that of a river.
Terrance,
Good evening as well. I can read that the Holy Spirit is working within you. Not many people can say that they pray before entering their workplace. I’m reminded of something John Maxwell always talks about tied to what you wrote. Be a river and not a reservoir. Thanks also for the insight of “The Me I Want to Be” by John Ortberg which is something I will read and look into. Here’s a link for John Maxwell’s quote. John C. Maxwell Quote Explained: Be a river – not a reservoir. (quotes.guide)
CM
Thanks CM and yes the Holy Spirit is working within me – hopefully you enjoy the book I shared as much I did
Terrance,
I look forward to reading “The Me I Want to Be” by John Ortberg once it arrives.
Have a great weekend!
CM