Today, Americans are encouraged to “turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals,” as part of the National Day of Prayer that has taken place annually since 1952.
The National Day of Prayer is observed by people of many faiths, including Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews. President Biden has issued a proclamation calling for prayer, as each president is required by law to do. The president declared that “we recognize the power of prayer to strengthen our spirits, draw us together, and create hope for a better tomorrow.”
There is a lot to pray for. The world seems especially perilous, with natural and manmade disasters across the globe. Wars rage in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and elsewhere. Refugees escaping from various crises struggle to find a safe haven, while the ranks of the unhoused, hungry, and hopeless seem to be rising across the country. And a bitter election season is revealing that our country’s divisions are wider and deeper than ever.
Because New York City is at the intersection of both national and international affairs, many who live here are feeling the effects of unrest from around the world. So I asked a variety of New Yorkers to create a prayer of what is on their hearts as Americans observe the 2024 National Day of Prayer. Here are some of the responses.
Kerlly: “As a child of Ecuadorian immigrants who grew up in NYC, I pray NYC remains the diverse city that it always has been. Welcoming all, as my family felt welcomed.”
Cristi: “God our Father, I pray for your people in New York City to help us to remember that we are all human beings you’ve created looking to love and survive in this gorgeously complex city, and, because of this, to act in wisdom and kindness over selfishness and hate.”
Hannibal: “I pray that New Yorkers will learn how to share their personal pain and troubles with each other. There is healing in sharing wounds.”
Brian: “I pray people would love the city and work to make the city better. That means more help for people who are struggling, more acceptance for people who are being persecuted.”
Ramanathan: May all sentient beings become happy / May none fall ill / May all see auspiciousness everywhere / May none ever feel sorrow / Om Peace Peace Peace.”
Scott: “Grant wisdom to our elected officials. Work in their hearts and minds so they steward their responsibilities with justice, humility, courage, honor, and grace. May they be mindful especially of the most vulnerable, the struggling, the hurting, the fearful, any who are without hope.”
Michael: “Dear Gracious God, in the midst of this next election cycle, we pray for those both inside and outside our churches who find themselves anxious about the potential impact on their relationships. Amidst the growing tide of incivility and lack of good-faith discourse, grant us grace to resist demonizing those we disagree with.”
Beth: “I pray for business and employment to return and thrive, so that the city recovers from any lingering effects of COVID-19.”
Pete: “Gracious Father, you are light, and in you is no darkness. Enlighten us so that we see others, ourselves, our communities, and our nation with the grace and truth you see. Where there is darkness and despair, bring light and hope. Where there is confusion and falsehoods, bring harmony and truth. Where there is wrongdoing and hurt, bring repentance and healing.”
Scott: “Almighty God, whose way is perfect and whose word proves true. Look with favor on this nation. We remember the widow, the orphan and the stranger, and bring to mind those in our context who need help and protection. … In this anxious and divisive time, raise up leaders who will move things forward for the healing of our land. We are not deserving of your mercy, but you are merciful. With humility we appeal for your kind provision and protection.”
As a licensed NYC tour guide of almost 30 years, I love people who come to visit, and this is my prayer.
Christina: “I pray that those who travel to enjoy the city return to their homes feeling refreshed, and that their patronage would strengthen NYC and help us flourish.”
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I encourage you to take some time today to pray and meditate on what you believe is important to our city and our nation.
Ray Stanton is author of “Out of the Shadow of 9/11: An Inspiring Tale of Escape and Transformation.”