James 5:16b "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Thursday, May 4th is the National Day of Prayer. There is only one day of prayer that is established in our nation's public law. It's on this day, the first Thursday of May, that men and women of faith, from every walk of life pause, reflect, and cry out to our Heavenly Father on behalf of our nation. 

We pray because we believe God hears our prayers. It says prayer availeth much. To avail means to be able. Our humble, fervent, heartfelt, and passionate prayers put God's abilities in action. These are the prayers that we want to pray with our eyes wide open so we don't miss a moment of God's heart and hands moving. 

We are all aware that our country needs lots of prayer. We should pray for our country and our leaders regularly, but this is a day to fervently pray for our country. So please put May 4th on your calendar.

Send Prayer Chain requests to michellekmiller@yahoo.com

PRAY FOR COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH ASIA 

by Joy Grady von Kleeck, source Advancing Native Missions

In the countries of South Asia, the COVID pandemic overwhelmed people already struggling in poverty and other challenging circumstances. Even as Christians mobilized to help their neighbors in need, many church leaders were lost to the virus and many other believers lost their jobs and loved ones. 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW 

*India was one of the countries hit hardest by the pandemic.

*Hinduism and Islam are the primary religions in this region.

*India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are all among the world's 10 largest populations.

WAYS TO PRAY

1. Pray for provision for the widows of pastors who passed away during the pandemic.

2. Pray for Christian women in Sri Lanka starting small sewing businesses to support their families.

3. Pray for capable new leaders to fill the places of those lost during the pandemic.