Today we mark the National Day of Prayer, an event where people from all across the United States gather together to pray for our nation and for one another.

Prayer has played an important role throughout our country’s history, so it’s no surprise that leaders from George Washington to Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman have taken the opportunity to publicly ask the nation to pray and petition God for his favor and blessing on our land and society.

The first national call to prayer occurred in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom as it endeavored to lead the colonies’ resistance to Great Britain and eventually form the new nation. Since then, Americans have frequently made public declarations about the importance of public, collective prayer.

We are a nation of faith and prayer. Religious people and institutions are one of the cornerstones of our society and it is only appropriate that we mark a public day of prayer in recognition of that. In 1952, Congress passed and President Truman signed a resolution formally establishing a National Day of Prayer.

This day, while important to many Christians, is not exclusively for any one faith tradition. This is an opportunity for all, regardless of religion or creed, to pause and meditate with citizens across the country as we humbly and prayerfully ask for guidance and wisdom.

Coming together in this way is a symbol of unity. It is also a time to examine our own hearts and minds and ask how we can contribute to our communities in a way that would honor and please God.

Finally, this is a moment to look to something bigger than any one of us and acknowledge that we need the care and help of our creator.

I am so pleased that this occasion is not only being observed in Washington, but in many towns and communities across Arkansas. Arkansans understand how pivotal faith and prayer are and I am pleased that they are taking the time to participate in this important occasion.

It is a joy to mark this National Day of Prayer and I join with so many of you in humbly asking God for his blessing on this nation and its people. To learn more about the National Day of Prayer visit http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/about.