First, this Thursday we have the National Day of Prayer. Prayer and fasting was a part or our heritage even before we were a nation. For instance, in 1775 the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming our nation and in 1863 President Lincoln gave a proclamation for a day of "humiliation, fasting and prayer." In 1952 a joint resolution was passed by congress and signed by President Truman setting aside the first Thursday of May as a day of National Prayer. Then in 1988 President Reagan permanently set the first Thursday of May each year as the National Day of Prayer and it encourages all Americans to pray. We are free and are not forced to pray if we do not want to but it pleases God when people humble themselves and acknowledge Him and ask for His blessings upon their land, (2 Chronicles 7:14, Luke 1:50-52, 1 Peter 5:6&7). This Sunday is a very special day because we celebrate Mothers Day. It is celebrated in different days and dates around the world but we traditionally celebrate the second Sunday in May. It is not a national holiday but it is the day we give special recognition to mothers. Many churches give a little gift or pin or card or a flower. God made women special and we should treat them that way, (Ephesians 6:2&3, Mark 10:19) See you in Church next Sunday.