THE FAMILY FOUNDATION

*"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."* This verse, Hebrews 4:16, is the 2005 verse for the National Day of Prayer, which will be observed on Thursday, May 5. This year’s theme is "God Shed His Grace on Thee."

"I can’t think of a time when our need for God’s healing intervention has been more acute than it is right now. Whether it be the ongoing threat of terrorism or the continued erosion of the moral and biblical principles upon which our country was founded, the challenges facing us are monumental," said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

"As a nation, we have rebelled against the Creator. Our culture is steeped in immorality and self-sufficiency and is growing increasingly hostile toward religious expression," said Dobson.

An example of the growing hostility towards religious expression is evident in the case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court as to whether the Ten Commandments can be displayed in public places. (See page 6) The Supreme Court held oral arguments on the case, *McCreary County v. ACLU of Kentucky*, on March 2 and is expected to hand down its decision in June. With the National Day of Prayer occurring approximately one month before this historic decision, it is just one example of where prayer must be focused.

Kentuckians will have an opportunity to participate in the state’s observance of the National Day of Prayer in order to pray for the Ten Commandments case, among other issues. That event will take place on the front steps of the Capitol at noon on May 5. In case of rain , the observance will be moved to the Rotunda. Included in this year’s observance will be a group of mothers from Moms In Touch, which is a group that meets throughout the state and prays one hour each week for schools, teachers and students in their area.

Carol Koebel has helped plan the state’s observance. She has observed a "spiritual fire" sparked by prayer since she became the Kentucky state coordinator for the National Day of Prayer. "Prayer venues have been springing up and increasing in size throughout the commonwealth," Koebel said. "From prayer breakfasts honoring community leaders, to daily, weekly, monthly prayer meetings, vigils and walks – prayer is becoming a priority in our state!"

The National Day of Prayer has a long-standing history. President Truman signed a joint resolution by Congress in 1952, declaring an annual, national day of prayer. In 1998, that law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently establishing a National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of every May.

According to the National Day of Prayer Task Force, the goal is "To communicate with every family the need for personal repentance and prayer, and to mobilize families to personal and corporate prayer, particularly on behalf of the nation and those in leadership on all levels of local, national, church and educational areas of influence."

Koebel sums it up with a reminder, "Where sin abounds, grace abounds more."
Key Family Foundation Contacts: Kent Ostrander , Executive Director Martin Cothran , Senior Associate Policy Analyst

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This verse, Hebrews 4:16, is the 2005 verse for the National Day of Prayer, which will be observed on Thursday, May 5. This year’s theme is "God Shed His Grace on Thee."

"I can’t think of a time when our need for God’s healing intervention has been more acute than it is right now. Whether it be the ongoing threat of terrorism or the continued erosion of the moral and biblical principles upon which our country was founded, the challenges facing us are monumental," said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

"As a nation, we have rebelled against the Creator. Our culture is steeped in immorality and self-sufficiency and is growing increasingly hostile toward religious expression," said Dobson.

An example of the growing hostility towards religious expression is evident in the case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court as to whether the Ten Commandments can be displayed in public places. (See page 6) The Supreme Court held oral arguments on the case, McCreary County v. ACLU of Kentucky, on March 2 and is expected to hand down its decision in June. With the National Day of Prayer occurring approximately one month before this historic decision, it is just one example of where prayer must be focused.

Kentuckians will have an opportunity to participate in the state’s observance of the National Day of Prayer in order to pray for the Ten Commandments case, among other issues. That event will take place on the front steps of the Capitol at noon on May 5. In case of rain , the observance will be moved to the Rotunda. Included in this year’s observance will be a group of mothers from Moms In Touch, which is a group that meets throughout the state and prays one hour each week for schools, teachers and students in their area.

Carol Koebel has helped plan the state’s observance. She has observed a "spiritual fire" sparked by prayer since she became the Kentucky state coordinator for the National Day of Prayer. "Prayer venues have been springing up and increasing in size throughout the commonwealth," Koebel said. "From prayer breakfasts honoring community leaders, to daily, weekly, monthly prayer meetings, vigils and walks – prayer is becoming a priority in our state!"

The National Day of Prayer has a long-standing history. President Truman signed a joint resolution by Congress in 1952, declaring an annual, national day of prayer. In 1998, that law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently establishing a National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of every May.

According to the National Day of Prayer Task Force, the goal is "To communicate with every family the need for personal repentance and prayer, and to mobilize families to personal and corporate prayer, particularly on behalf of the nation and those in leadership on all levels of local, national, church and educational areas of influence."

Koebel sums it up with a reminder, "Where sin abounds, grace abounds more."