National Day of Prayer Coordinator’s Conference
We have a special guest writer today, Christian author and founder of AffirmingFaith.com Lori Wagner. I have written about Lori before when I featured her newest book, Quilting Patches of Life. Since that post, I have had the pleasure of getting to know her through e-mails. In addition to her writing, she is on the National Day of Prayer Task Force and recently attended the Coordinator’s Conference. Today, she is sharing her conference experience with us and the importance of continuing participation in the National Day of Prayer. She has also agreed to a virtual book tour and will appear on this site Friday, November 2, 2007, to discuss her book and to answer questions and comments from readers. Please be sure to join us on Friday to talk with Lori about her work for the Lord and her will to follow His calling in her life.
“Wow!” A Report from the National Day of Prayer Coordinator’s Conference
Lori Wagner, Detroit Metro Area Coordinator
Most people have heard of the National Day of Prayer but have no idea how much work goes on behind the scenes organizing and facilitating events. Beyond the observances, held the first Thursday of May each year, is an army of volunteers. Defined, an army is a “large body of persons trained and armed for war,” and with the aid of the small staff of the national committee headed by Mrs. Shirley Dobson, the National Day of Prayer Task Force hosts an annual conference to “train and arm” coordinators from across the nation.
Every state was represented at this year’s conference, conducted in Colorado Springs October 19-21. Top leaders met on Thursday evening, and hundreds of coordinators attended a motivating Focus on the Family chapel service Friday morning. Mrs. Dobson addressed the crowd before a time of worship and Chip Ingram delivered his message, “One Little Word That Will Change Your Life.” He asked those gathered to consider if “what we say we believe” and “how we live our lives” are telling the same story? [Proverbs 10:9] Without integrity, relationships are impossible, peace is unattainable, and our impact minimal.
Friday kicked off the official conference schedule jam-packed with dynamic speakers. Over the next three days, attendees chose from a multitude of sessions.
• Dutch Sheets spoke on “Where are we in America?” He believes we are in a window of opportunity to turn our nation back to God and we must not faint in this season, but finish what we have started.
• Dr. Walt Larimore presented a session on prayer and fasting.
• Matthew Stark of Pure-Life Revolution had me laughing out loud as he spoke so many of the same points I have written about in my first book Gates & Fences: Straight Talk in a Crooked World.
• I enjoyed my friend Bernie Lutchman’s presentation on “Living with Power” and picked up my autographed copy of 2-Minute Warning.
• A former Islamic terrorist converted to Christianity, Kamal Saleem of Koome Ministries, delivered his staggering testimony and call for Americans to arise from their spiritual slumber. Kamal is traveling the country with this message, and I strongly recommend him as a speaker.
Not only were the instructional sessions and prayer meetings exceptional, but I was blessed with the opportunity to close out Saturday evening’s events after Jennifer Kennedy Dean delivered the keynote address: “He Leads Me in Paths of Righteousness.” I was awed and honored to be asked, and Jennifer’s big, affirming hug settled my shaking knees as I dismounted from the platform.
Of course, one person could not take in all the sessions. Much more went on that is unreported in this article. Local coordinators met with regional leaders. Years of service were recognized, and a powerful concert of prayer was held at the World Prayer Center.
Sunday morning, as snow fell upon the beautiful Rocky Mountains, we celebrated communion and received a commissioning message and prayer from Mrs. Dobson. After a precarious drive from the Focus Headquarters to the Denver airport, I flew home with a full heart and renewed spirit.
Each year our president and governors issue proclamations encouraging the citizens of our nation to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith, for the freedoms and blessings we have received and for God’s continued guidance, comfort, and protection. While National Day of Prayer gatherings are conducted by people of many different religions, the National Day of Prayer Task Force organizes events in alignment with the Biblical teachings of the Judeo-Christian faith. The mission of the task force is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in seven points of prayer: church, education, family, government, military, business and media.
As generations pass, the face of prayer changes, but the need for prayer remains ever present. If you would like more information on the National Day of Prayer (events or becoming involved as a coordinator or support member of an existing team), please visit the National Day of Prayer website at www.ndptf.org.
christian women, christian, prayer, National Day of Prayer
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