On this National Day of Prayer, join Joni in praying for America, its leaders, and its citizens.
It’s the National Day of Prayer and I join you in praying for America.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and, oh, does this great land and its people need our intercessions, right? You know, I remember thinking this years ago when I served on the National Council on Disability. Back then, I was wheeling the hallways of the U.S. Capitol building, visiting with senators and congressional representatives. Our Council was lobbying for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and there was appointment after appointment with busy U.S. representatives and their staff people – some were happy to see you, and others were decidedly not. We were working the hallways of the U.S. Capitol to educate these politicians on the benefits of the ADA and to answer their questions. We wanted their votes because we believed that the ADA was in the best interest of Americans with disabilities, old and young, employed and unemployed.
It was long and it was tiring, meeting with so many government representatives – but it was part of the process; it was safe, orderly, constructive, and – what can I say – it felt American. I recall taking a break in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. I was sitting there snacking on a sandwich and watching all the tourists pour in and out. They stood looking up at the rotunda ceiling and around at the paintings and statues, as if they were reading a U.S. history textbook; did they realize they were standing in one of the most powerful places in the world? As I watched them, it hit me that they were part of the very political process I was engaged in that day. In fact, these tourists – most of them U.S. citizens – were probably the most powerful individuals of all because they had the biggest say in the process. They were the ones with the vote. They had put these senators and congressional representatives into office. And as the tourists meandered in and out of the U.S. Capitol rotunda, I wondered if they understood the amazing role that they played.
When I finished my sandwich, I continued on to the next appointment down the hallway. Eventually – not in that congressional session, but in the next – the ADA would be passed into law, opening countless doors of access for Americans with disabilities. That was well over thirty years ago. Things in Washington are much different now. The inner workings of our Republic are fragile, and sadly, the structures of our government need much repair. And so, on this National Day of Prayer, God bless you for bringing this country before the Lord. Yes, please lift up our representatives in government, but please pray for the American people, the most important and powerful individuals of all; the ones who do have the biggest say in the process. And hey, if you need a little inspiration, I have posted a wonderful – and I mean, it is truly a stirring video of someone standing in that same rotunda in the U.S. Capitol and singing the most glorious rendition ever of “The Lord’s Prayer.” It really is worth watching. Just go to joniradio.org and click on the link that shows Nathan Kistler standing among tourists in the U.S. Capitol and singing an impromptu performance of “The Lord’s Prayer.” It’s masterful and so inspiring, especially on this National Day of Prayer, so do not miss it, friend. Make it part of your prayer observance today – and you might want to sing along with “The Lord’s Prayer!” Again, you’ll find this wonderful song at joniradio.org. And on behalf of Americans with disabilities, who benefit greatly from the Americans with Disabilities Act, thank you for praying for our great nation. That’s your good word today from Joni Eareckson Tada sharing hope.
© Joni and Friends