This has been quite the week for special days. Tuesday was Star Wars day. May the Fourth. Like “May the Fourth be with you.” Did I make that up? Why no, no I didn’t.

Wednesday was Cinco de Mayo, that traditional U.S. holiday. “U.S. holiday?” you ask. Yep. It’s a regional holiday in Mexico, not particularly celebrated outside of Puebla. In the 1860s, people in California started celebrating this day, and it eventually became a sign of Mexican pride here in the U.S.

Today is the National Day of Prayer. It’s also National Crepe Suzette day and National Nurses Day. Hard to know which one to celebrate, right?

Sorry, I know that it’s cool to complain about this day not getting enough observance. I just don’t see the plus to it. I believe in prayer. I believe firmly in the power of prayer. Just look at the discussion last week in the comments.

But I don’t believe in prayer by decree. I don’t believe in somehow trying to get people who wouldn’t otherwise pray to join us in prayer.

Christians should pray without ceasing… not needing a special day.
Christians should pray for leaders of all nations, not wait for leaders to pray for them.
Christians should pray without making a show of it.
Christians should pray in secret.

None of this is accomplished by a National Day of Prayer.

Today should be a day of prayer.
So should tomorrow.

{photo by Jesper Noer}