National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 7. Make plans to be part of this important opportunity to pray for our nation.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Its foundation represents a Judeo-Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.

The National Day of Prayer has great significance for us as a nation as it enables us to recall and to teach the way in which our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God when faced with critical decisions. It stands as a call for us to humbly come before God, seeking His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as a people.

Every year, local, state, and federal observances were held from sunrise in Maine to sunset in Hawaii, uniting Americans from all socio-economic, political and ethnic backgrounds in prayer for our nation. It is estimated that over two million people attended more than 30,000 observances—organized by approximately 40,000 volunteers. At state capitols, county courthouses, on the steps of city halls, and in schools, businesses, churches and homes, people stopped their activities and gathered for prayer.

If your local church is not hosting this event and you want to know of the nearest location to participate, please go to nationaldayofprayer.org.

“True prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but taking hold of His willingness.” —Greg Laurie

Many women of the Bible offer examples of what priorities we should have as Christian women today.

Here are five matriarchs who model God’s will for our lives.

Hannah, a Woman of Prayer: Hannah poured out her heart before the Lord in faithful and earnest prayer (see 1 Samuel 1–2).

Mary, a Woman of Worship: Mary of Bethany chose to sit at the feet of Jesus as a devoted worshipper (see Luke 10:38–42; Mark 14:3–9).

Esther, a Woman of Courage: Esther showed courage as she willingly risked her life for her people (see the Book of Esther).

Elizabeth, a Woman of Faith: She believed that nothing is impossible with God (see Luke 1).

The Samaritan, a Woman of God’s Word: This woman accepted God’s Living Water and shared it with others (see John 4:1–42).

Take some time and read about these amazing women of the Bible. Allow their examples to better encourage you in aligning your priorities with His Word as He leads!