May Day of Prayer

One thing about growing up in the country that I missed were days like May Day. I knew about what happened but didn’t get to experience May Day like others my age did. I’m not sure May Day holds the same excitement for current children, as it did in my generation. Now, there are video games, cell phones, and a dozen other activities for youngsters. They don’t need to wait for a knock on the door to begin a chase back to the knockers' door.

My husband John grew up in the tiny town of Clemons, Iowa. There was no Maypole in town but he shared with me the story of one May Day event that has sparked plenty of laughter during the years. It was customary for children to deliver May baskets to their friends. So John delivered a May basket to a classmate in town and a chase ensued. The girl chased John all the way back to his house, through the kitchen door, up the stairs, to John’s bedroom where he promptly slammed the door in her face, narrowly avoiding a kiss from the recipient of his basket. 

Today is also the National Day of Prayer, as formally established by President Truman in 1952. However, the tradition goes back to the Continental Congress in 1775. The day calls people of all religions and denominations in America to gather together in prayer to God as individuals or in groups for America.

This year the 2025 National Day of Prayer Taskforce chose Romans 15:13 as the theme, “Pour Out To The God of Hope and Be Filled”. This is the 74th Annual National Day of Prayer.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” (Romans 15:13 NIV). 

Heavenly Father, we gladly join others in our nation, to call on You in prayer. We know that our country needs You and we plead to You our desire for Your leadership and guidance in all that is done in America’s name. We lift praise to You, O Lord, as we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.