More Americans pray in their car than in a place of worship, survey finds
United StatesRNS Despite reports of declining worship attendance and religious affiliation, six in 10 Americans say that they pray, a new survey reports. A higher percentage – 85 per cent – say they engage in a spiritual practice to connect with a higher power, whether prayer, meditation, mindfulness, reciting affirmations or spiritually based yoga. Prayer is the most […]
US National Day of Prayer observances to feature in-person worship, online petitions
United StatesRNS National Day of Prayer observances, which shifted in size and location since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue this year with virtual events and more in-person celebrations. “With communities being open this year, there are a growing number of people planning in person events in 2022,” Dion Elmore, vice president of […]
In the US, National Day of Prayer to be marked with petitions for racial justice
RNS In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many observances of the annual National Day of Prayer to go virtual, with a focus on praying for those who were sickened or died. A year later, as the 70th observance occurs on Thursday, pandemic prayers continue and, in some cases, are being coupled with petitions for racial […]
In the US, National Day of Prayer, reshaped by pandemic, includes interfaith and online events
The National Day of Prayer, like most events amid the coronavirus, will have a different look this year as it is marked on Thursday, 7th May. Now in its 69th year, the observance – often predominated by evangelical Christians gathering in public places – will feature interfaith and even international voices on computer screens and […]
Australian Christian leaders call for prayer for the nation
A group of Australian Christian leaders has called for Christians of all denominations to join in daily prayer for the nation and for churches to hold a National Day of Prayer on 29th March. The prayer initiative, which is being coordinated by the Australian Prayer Network, will be officially launched at 7pm on Thursday, 19th […]
Trump tests negative for coronavirus; calls for national day of prayer
Washington DC/New York, USReuters Donald Trump tested negative for the coronavirus, his doctor said on Saturday, as the US President extended a travel ban to Britain and Ireland to try to slow the spread of a pandemic that has shut down much of the daily routine of American life. After White House officials took the […]
Widower of Emanuel Nine victim, formerly detained pastor call for unity on prayer day
Washington, DCRNS Standing before a National Day of Prayer gathering, Rev Anthony Thompson called himself an example of the day’s theme of loving one another – no matter what. “Can you love someone who hates you because of the colour of your skin?” he asked the crowd of more than 200 assembled Thursday at the […]
Trump, rabbi of attacked synagogue observe National Day of Prayer at White House
Washington, DCRNS Among the guests at a White House ceremony marking the National Day of Prayer was Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, leader of the California synagogue recently attacked by a gunman. Goldstein marvelled that he survived the attack. Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein speaks in front of President Trump during a National Day of Prayer event in the White […]
ESSAY: CHEERS AND CAUTION FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP’S NEW FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE
US-based commentator on religion and politics JACOB LUPFER – in an article first published on Religion News Service – expresses his hopes for what US President Trump’s newly announced faith-based initiative will – and won’t – be…
Six months after massacre, Sutherland Springs pastor says nation should put God first
RNS The pastor whose Sutherland Springs, Texas, church was the site of a November massacre prayed at the US Capitol for a country where God is honoured in statehouses and schools. “Forgive us for taking you out of our schools,” prayed Pastor Frank Pomeroy on Thursday before a kneeling crowd. He listed churches, capitols and various […]