2013 National Day of Prayer - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz
Highlights from the 23rd annual observance of the National Day of Prayer at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on Thursday, May 2, 2013. The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation". Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. The modern law formalizing its annual observance was enacted in 1952, although it has historical origins to a mandate by George Washington, the first president of the United States.
Santa Monica National Day of Prayer Committee said this year’s theme is “Pray for America,” inspired by Matthew 12:21, “In His Name the nations will put their hope.”
Community leaders, including Santa Monica Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks and Fire Chief Scott Ferguson, and area pastors offered prayers for the president, governor, and other governmental leaders, the armed services, peace officers, legislators, judges, the community and nation and such topics as personal renewal and moral awakening, youth, the family, business, education, the sick, the imprisoned and persecuted, churches, missionaries and ministry organizations.
