Today, April 4, marks the 66th National Day of Prayer in our country. It was created by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Its purpose is to remind people of the need for personal prayer and to encourage us to pray for our leaders. Here at Loma Linda University Health, we have expanded the day to include prayer for our institution and our leaders.
Scripture tells us to pray for each other so that we can be healed. Working in a medical setting, it's easy to limit our thoughts to physical healing, but healing can take other forms as well. Many of us need healing of our emotions, healing in relationships or healing in our spiritual lives.
In the book Steps to Christ, Ellen White talks about the privilege of prayer. She says, "Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend." She continues, "Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing ... What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children."
As we celebrate this day of prayer, I encourage you to pray for:
1. Our world and the international tensions that are currently being felt
2. Our nation and its leaders
3. Our city and community — and the needs of those who live nearby
4. The churches and faith communities of the Inland Empire
5. Loma Linda University Health and its leadership team
6. Your department, supervisor and colleagues
7. Your family and close friends
8. Your own needs.
Set aside some special time soon to talk with God about what is on your heart and experience the personal connection that comes from sharing with Him.
—Kathy McMillan, MA, is director of employee spiritual care at Loma Linda University Medical Center.