TCS Hosts National Day of Prayer
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
By Samantha DePriest
The first call to prayer dates all the way back to 1775, however the National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman. It is held annually on the first Thursday in May. This past Thursday afternoon, our entire student body and staff on the main campus gathered in our stadium to lift up our nation and the seven centers of influence: government, military, media, businesses, education, churches, and families in prayer.
TCS Head of School, Dr. Mark Anthony welcomed our students and staff and led the opening prayer. Middle School Principal, Mr. Adam Vinson read the Lord’s Prayer followed by Performing Arts Director, Mr. Tim Hurt who was accompanied by some of our high school worship team in a beautiful rendition of “Firm Foundation“.
Several students came forward and shared specific scriptures. Lastly, Mr. Ryan Tipton, High School Bible Department Head, led our entire school in a closing prayer. He encouraged our students to pray about everything every single day of their lives today, tomorrow, and always. With hands raised high and voices joined in song, our HS Worship team led us in singing “I Trust In God” to close the special service.
We are reminded on days like these how blessed we are to be able to join thousands of Christians all around the country in prayer for our nation. We believe in the power of prayer and live with hope and anticipation for all that God is going to do in our country and in our world.
HISTORY - David Peavy, Senior, shared the history behind this day with our student body and staff.
“Throughout our nation’s history presidents like George Washington, John Adams, and Abraham Lincoln have called for special days of prayer in response to events taking place in our country. In 1952 men like Billy Graham helped encourage the movement toward a national day of prayer each year. A bill was passed in 1952 and signed by President Harry Truman making this a reality. Under Ronald Reagan’s leadership in 1988, a bill was signed designating the 1st Thursday of May as the National Day of Prayer”
GOVERNMENT - Scripture Reading by Chase Baer, Sophomore, led our school in prayer over our Federal Government - President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Representatives, and Supreme Court Justices. Prayer over our State Government - Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, and Judicial Leaders, Prayer over our Local Government - Mayors, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, and County Officials.
I Timothy 2:1-2: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
Romans 13:1-2: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
MILITARY - Scripture Reading: Timothy Savoy, Middle School, led our school in prayer for perseverance to endure hardship and for protection and support for the families they have left behind.
Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
MEDIA - Scripture Reading: Brody Johnston, Upper Elementary, led our school in prayer over the Christians in media to find favor and be filled with creative ideas that bring kingdom principles and life-giving messages to the public.
Philippians 4:8: “...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
BUSINESS - Scripture Reading: Greg Brezina, Junior, led our school in prayer over our Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers.
Psalm 90:17: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Exodus 31:3-4: “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze.”
EDUCATION - Scripture Reading: Dru Pendley, 3rd grade, led our school in prayer for more and more teachers in our country will come to know Jesus as Savior and instruct their students in the fear, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the Lord. Prayer that more and more students will come to know Jesus as Savior and that their hearts will soften to the Truth of the Gospel and that they will become aware of the lies of Satan that currently influence them. Prayer that the knowledge gained by students in each subject will be used to glorify God throughout their student career and in future workplaces.
Proverbs 2:3-6: “If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
2 Peter 3:18: “Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.”
CHURCH - Scripture Reading: Quinn Griffith, 3rd grade, led our school in prayer that the church would find a new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ. Prayer for unity with and among churches that reveal God’s love to the world. Prayer for integrity–that God’s people look and act differently from the world. Prayers that our churches would reflect the goodness, light and truth of Jesus to our communities.
1 Peter 2:9-10: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”
FAMILY - Scripture Reading: Lucas Loftis, Senior, led our school in prayer for healthy and God-honoring marriages. Prayer for healthy relationships between parents and children. Prayer over the children of our nation will seek to honor their fathers and mothers as the Lord commands.
Ephesians 6:1-4; “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
Malachi 4:5-6: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet. Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord and he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”