Upper Marks National Day of Prayer

PETERSBURG – The first Thursday in May throughout the nation is designated as “National Day of Prayer.” 
Upper Township marked the occasion with a spirit of unity and historical references reflecting the importance of freedom of religion in the country.
Upper Township Clerk Barbara Young opened the commemoration of the day to residents gathered outside the municipal building. She took advantage of the summer-like weather, and read a resolution passed by Upper Township Committee designating May 3, 2018, for this year’s Day of Prayer to commence the program.
Both the resolution as well as pastors of various Christian denominations from throughout the township highlighted that the day was an opportunity for Americans of all faiths to join in acknowledging the nation’s dependence on God and to give thanks for innumerable blessings.
Special individual prayers offered were for those who protect and help the nation: police represented by a New Jersey state trooper; firefighters, emergency medical personnel; and teachers, who accompanied several of their students representing Christian-athletes.
Designation of the modern-day National Day of Prayer was passed by unanimous approval by both the Senate and House and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
Ironically, President Reagan’s son, Ron Jr., a self-identified atheist, took a leadership role in a movement called “Freedom from Religion Foundation” which challenged this designation in the courts as unconstitutional but ultimately lost the legal battle.
Earlier initiatives to designate officially days of prayer took place as a formal designation in 1952 although there were days of prayer and accompanying fasting observed by the first settlers in the original colonies. 
The First Continental Congress also formally designated similar days of prayer as early as 1775.
Referring to all Americans’ constitutional freedoms, former Upper Township Committee member and emergency medical services chief, Jay Gibson, in his concluding Benediction noted: “We are guaranteed freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.”
He meant that all should recognize the power of “ceaseless prayer” as called for in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 of the Bible: “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” 
Clergy echoed that sentiment as well as the unifying force of prayer that underscores the country’s common values and that our freedoms are hard-won and a privilege of all, no matter race, age, gender, or religious affiliation.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.