Category: The Best of Random Notes

Wow what a summer in this edition of Random Notes August 2007. From TN to MA to MI and then FL. God has truly been at work. I praise Him for traveling mercies indeed!

I even got honked at while ministering at the Drive-In-Bible church in MI. My kids have been all over God’s green earth as well. My teen went to Nazarene Youth Conference in St Louis and my tween went to Pre-Teen Camp, TN and Orlando, FL.

As I think back on these events I am grateful for the grandmother in MA that made it a point to tell me that her young granddaughters are now curious about heaven and asking questions that are only going to lead to salvation! I praise God for the woman in MA that is listening to my CD for encouragement to help her with her depression. I am humbled that a woman that won my CD in a door prize in Michigan. She is a two time cancer survivor and was thrilled to have my CD – it’s just me folks.

I have got to see kids graduate from HS and college, spend time with my family in MI and MA and just reflect on all God has blessed me with.

I so want to invest my life in a way that when I am gone the work will continue! How about you?

Life is a Gift

• • Today before you think of saying an unkind word – Think of someone who can’t speak.
  • Before you complain about the taste of your food – Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
  • Before you complain about your husband or wife – Think of someone who’s crying out to God for a companion.
  • Today before you complain about life – Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
  • Before you complain about your children — Think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.
  • Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep – Think of the people who are living in the streets.
  • Before whining about the distance you drive – Think of someone who walks the same distance.
  • And when you are tired and complain about your job – Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
  • But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another – Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one Maker.
  • And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down – Put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.

Life is a gift… Live it… Enjoy it… Celebrate it… And fulfill it!

NEWSFLASHES – Two Events Coming Up

In November, I have been invited to be part of the Franklin Homecoming Jubilee. This is a Gaither style taping for DVD and will be available for all of you. Produced by Eddie Cook and Barbara Roach, this will feature some of Gospel Music’s finest.

In December, our TN District Nazarene Churches are combining our talents to minister in song at the Roy Acuff theater here in Nashville. This event is directed by Craig Adams, Marvin Jones and Nathan Rogers, all ministers of music in their respective churches. There will be about 300 voices in this combined effort and you will not want to miss this. Tell your friends and come and let God touch hearts and change lives.

I did very well at the Millie Lewis American Modeling Talent Convention/Competition (AMTC) in Orlando. I made some fantastic contacts and got some incredible experience and expertise from all the training. There were over 80 industry agents, scouts, and labels represented. No matter what you do by trade – do it with excellence and strive to always be better! I am looking forward to what God has in store next!

Prayers Requested

• • Please remember my home church as we embark in 24 hours of prayer from August 23-24th.
  • Please remember my dear friend Sharon in Alaska as she has make some changes in her employment and request you specifically pray for financial wisdom
  • Please remember my mother Mary as she is making plans to relocate to TN right here with me. She is no longer able to care for her mentally handicapped sister and we are searching for a home for my aunt here in TN. This needs to take place before she can truly move here.
  • Remember me as I am making some decisions myself – it is an unspoken request.
  • Thank you for your faithfulness to God in prayer for one another!
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Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

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Conference Highlights- CIA Summit & GMA Week – Nashville, TN

What a great time I had at these two events featured in Random Notes May 2007. I got to learn how to do the many tasks of my ministry better. I had a chance to get some great constructive criticism from top industry professionals at the CIA Summit during the Songwriter’s Bootcamp. No, I didn’t win the Momentum Award, but it is still an honor to be nominated. I don’t at all feel like a looser. Everyday when we say yes Lord yes we are
winners in His eyes. Thanks again to those of you that voted. On to the next task.

Meeting “The Voice”

On meeting Sandi Patty. What a wonderful surprise. I didn’t even know she was going to be there (it was not advertised). She was getting a special award for being with the William Morris Agency for 20 years. I almost didn’t make it to this particular showcase because early Wednesday morning I got very ill. James (my fab hubby) said, “the Devil is trying to keep you home today because God has something special for you.” I drug myself out of bed and went downtown to catch the William Morris Agency luncheon and showcase and there she was.

Then I went home and climbed back into bed and stayed there for the next 24 hrs (allergic reaction). I have been a fan of hers for years but for a really special reasons! The first Sandi song I heard was “In the Name of the Lord,” which is still my favorite. I was going through a very dark time and I walked into a Christian bookstore to buy my first Christian accompaniment track. “In the Name of the Lord” was playing. It was the first track I bought. Fast forward to 2001, I was rehearsing “In the Name of the Lord,” for a concert. Unknown to me the Holy Spirit touched my children and both of them accepted Christ as their Savior independently while in their beds (and I thought they were asleep).

Getting to meet and talk to Sandi was a lifelong dream. Yes, she knows my story about my kids, I e-mailed it to her years ago. She was even gracious enough to seem to remember! See God really does give us the desires of our hearts – when we least expect it. Praise Him!

2013 Update – I was blessed to work an event for Music City Mission with Sandy in Nashville So humbled by the experience!

Recognition for 20 Years with the William Morrison Agency

Photos from the CIA Summit

At GMA week I learned from the best Managers, Agents and Promoters and made some new friends. I found out John Ruben is a fellow Buckeye fan, met Sandi Patty, Paul Coleman, Nichole Nordeman, Jody McBrayer (Avalon), saw our friends Family Force 5 (huge fans) and so many others in the industry. A lot of t’s were crossed and i’s dotted. These events were a HUGE blessing for me as I continue in the
direction I believe God wants me go. I love what I do!

Photos from GMA Week 2007

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Upcoming Events
Don’t miss Judith in her 2nd Concert at Summertown Church of the Nazarene located in Summertown,
TN, just south of Columbia, TN.  Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 11:00 am.

Have you scheduled Judith for an event?  Judith sings and speaks in addition to creating songs that
uplift our savior.  Don’t miss out on a blessings.  Schedule her for your next event.

Judith is a Registered Song Evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene and attends Nashville Grace
Church of the Nazarene (when not on the road) Rev Ken Dove, Senior Pastor.

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“In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:21-22

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It has already been an amazing time for us. In this edition of Random Notes April 2007, January chimed in with plenty of promise as Judith found out she is a Momentum Award finalist, largely due to most of you voting!

Official Press Release

Judith Baker is excited to announce that she is a finalist for the 2nd annual “Christian Indie Alliance MOMENTUM” Awards, to be handed out at their upcoming CIA SUMMIT conference March 29-April 1, 2007 in Franklin, TN. There were many artists that received nominations over the past 60 days, with over 5000 nominations being placed by fans and surfers. Voting to determine the winner will take place between 01.01.07 to 02.01.07. The final award winners will be announced on Saturday, March 31, 2007 in Franklin, at Indieheaven’s CIA Summit conference.

A Message from My Heart

…A note from Judith… Recently I had the extreme privilege of hearing Dr. Leonard Sweet at a TN District Event “Improve Your Serve.” His message was challenging, thought provoking and encouraging. He talked about the days we live in are very much “The Perfect Storm.” He gave us an amazing analogy of this Perfect Storm along with 5 tips to survive this storm. What continues to resonate in my mind is this statement: “everyone from the time of baptism are baptized into the ministry and commissioned as a missionary to the world.” Then he asked us, “what is your ministry and what is your mission?” Many of you have heard me say several times that we are all a part of the “great commission” and we all play a part. Think about this and pray God gives you the faith, strength, wisdom and ability to embrace and achieve your ministry and mission.

Highlights of Previous Events

We closed out 2006 with a concert at our home church – Nashville Grace Church of the Nazarene here in TN. I had a surprise guest; my son came up and sang a duet with me. Then I had the extreme pleasure of participating with our choir in the performance of “Ill Be Home For Christmas” one of my favorites.

Family Force 5 Private Concert Taping

If you are a Family Force 5 fan (“C” is for Crunk) – we had the extreme fun of  seeing them live at their taping for the Gospel Music Channel. I have now become the official coolest mom ever for pulling my kids Zoey and Sergio out of school for the afternoon. The had no idea where were were going and when they found out they were thrilled! Not to mention we made some new friends! Be prepared for head-banging!

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Ministry Event Highlights

• • Mar 10, 2007 – Nashville, TN – Private Event – National Anthem & Prayer
  • April 4, 2007 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Rescue Mission, Praise & Worship, 6:30 pm, www.NashvilleRescueMission.org
  • April 8, 2007 – Nashville, TN – Grace Church of the Nazarene -Easter Sunday Morning as our choir ministers with – “On a Hill Not Too Far Away.”
  • April 29, 2007 – Nashville, TN – Glencliff Hispanic Church of the Nazarene, 

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Prayer Request

• For Jeff in Iraq (Stefanie’s brother-in-law, yes Lori’s husband)
• For my friend and somewhat adopted son George in Germany
• For our children
• For our churches

God Bless yaw!
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“There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Sam 2:2

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Welcome Friends!   Hello all – I haven’t forgot about you.  I have just been very busy but who isn’t this time of year? Here are the Random Notes November 2006

A Message from My Heart  In September I had the privilege to attend the TN District Ladies retreat where our speaker was Dr. JoAnn Ballard.  It was a treat to meet her and we may actually be distantly related.  How cool is that!   I wanted to share something that really blessed me, yes with my big dreams.  Dr. Ballard pointed out to us:

• • If you have a dream, vision, goal – write it down.
  • Remember those in the Bible that got through to God were desperate.  If we are going to get through to God we have to be desperate – remember Hannah?  Her desperation? (I Sam Chapt 1.)
  • Once you have made your request to God go in peace – 1 Sam 1:17.  We must seek peace and get our heart in tune with God so we settle down and He takes over.
  • Once you have peace be patient – you may not see an answer right away but you have the peace to be patient.  It may take a little time for things to pass.  Pray for the appointed time to come and it will.
  • Lastly, once you have made your request to God – Bank on it!  Keep doing what you do,
    devotions, attending church, reading your Bible.  God sees you making the investment.  Don’t’ just do nothing!

My dream is different than your dream or perhaps it is the same but aren’t you glad we serve a God that see our investment into His kingdom and blesses us with His eternal reward!

Highlights of Previous Events

Aug –   Columbia Central Church of the Nazarene, SC – It was great to see my dear friends Stefanie and Rev Thrower again.  God was all over the event.  Praises went up and many commented on my testimony and how it challenged them.  Stefanie & I closed the service with “God of All Gods”

Sept- I had the pleasure to sing at the Dickson County Fair and met a new friend who had me sing at the 22nd Anniversary of “The Faith Connection” hosted at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Dickson, TN.  I was very blessed by all the other groups that ministered in song.

Oct – We were back visiting and in concert at 3 events in SC.  Charleston Calvary Church of the Nazarene was kind enough to feature little ole me at their Oktoberfest for the 4th time, and in concert on Sunday for both worship services.  I was thrilled to sing with fellow Song Evangelist Kim Timko and visit with Rev & Mrs Lindsay.  Kim and I closed the worship with our rendition of “I’ve Just Seen Jesus.”  It was wonderful to see old friends and make new ones.  All the kids as so big – how did that happen?

Next Ministry Event – Nashville, TN –  Grace Church of the Nazarene, November 26, 2006, 6pm

In Loving Memory

Please be in prayer for the family members of the following who have gone home to be with the Lord:

• • Charlene Grimes
  • Anthony Davis son of Rev Eve Davis
  • Rev. Frank Reese
  • Dr./Rev. Jim Crabtree

“ when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” Proverbs 3:24-26 (New International Version)

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Welcome Friends! Howdy Yaw! I am loving, living in Nashville! Here is my Random Notes August 2006.

I want to say a huge thank you to all of you that took the time to rate “Breaking Free” You can rate it everyday. It will be on the Indieheaven Radio for 90 days. To those that took the time to post a comment on my Indieheaven Page, a big thanks! I appreciate your love and kind words. I covet your prayers!

 

The Bakers were thrilled to have company drop by while traveling. Fellow Nazarenes, the Anderson’s stopped by and we spent some wonderful time in Christian fellowship.

Check out their ministry at: jamm.andersonmusicgroup.com. Joe is a fellow singer/songwriter and has some beautiful music out there. Check him out and book Joe and Rochelle for an event! You will be blessed! These folks are the real deal! I am officially now a Registered Song Evangelist on the TN District, Church of the Nazarene. All Glory to God! I will always have a special place in my heart for my SC District!

Don’t be surprised if you hear the music from “In Spirit and Truth” on one of the Nazarene Word Mission Broadcast radio stations. Each region has a promo copy and permission to use the music as they see fit to further God’s kingdom.

I turned down my first record deal. This is really no big deal, – a small company in Oregon that has a different agenda than I do. It doesn’t make them bad just not for me.

I have a song being pitched right now in the country music market called “Mother’s Day.” It is an incredible opportunity and I am really excited. Met the contact who is pitching it at the CIA Summit, hosted by Indieheaven.

Side note for you, I met a lady while oooogling over her beautiful baby that asked me how do you raise a child to be a good person. She is from China and I told her that I am a Christian, and I use the principles and teaching from the Bible. She was unfamiliar with what I was saying. In China, there is no religion. We talked about that a spell and I asked her if she had a Bible. She said she did but it is very hard to read in English for her. Well, I e-mailed my dear friend that happens to work for the Gideon’s and she got me a Chinese Bible. I will be giving it to this lady. Please pray for her to find Christ through reading this Bible and bring her family to Christ. Be in prayer for this dear one. Let’s claim this soul for the Kingdom!

A Message from My Heart

I got a call on Aug 5th from Pastor Bravo of Summertown Church of the Nazarene asking me to come and minister on the 6th of August. Apparently the group they had scheduled had a problem and couldn’t make it. Every person in ministries nightmare! I joyfully accepted and took my girlfriend with me. We had such a blessed time in the Lord! God was ever present! I am always amazed at how He works and moves in the lives of His people. I always tell those I serve if they came to be entertained there is the door but if they came to worship then let’s get it on!

One thing I experienced is liberty. I had no time limit and was told to share what God laid on my heart. What a treat! What a huge responsibility to honor God and worship together with this congregation of my brothers and sisters. I realized more than ever, God wants us to be available yes, but once we are available are we usable?

God called so many servants before us, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Samuel…. They all share the same response “Here I am.” Jesus went on to say in Hebrews 10:9 – “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” So what’s planned in your life? What’s on your calendar, planner, day timer, Outlook Scheduler ….. What are we saying to God? Are we so stuck in our routine that saying “Here I am” is not on the schedule or is there so much clutter on the schedule that we are not usable? Makes you think.

Next Ministry Events

• • Aug 17th – For those of you in the greater Nashville Area, on Aug 17th and 6:00 AM, yes its AM, I am a featured guest on the program “Music City Explosion – Inspirational”. This program is on channel 17 the old PAX channel. If this is too early for you set those recorders!
  • Aug 27th – West Columbia Central Church of the Nazarene, Columbia, SC, In Concert- AM service
  • Sep 9 – Dickson County Fair, Dickson, TN
  • Sep 17 – Polly Crocket Festival, Winchester, TN

Are you available and usable for God?

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Welcome Friends! Some cool updates for you in Random Notes July 2006. Okay, I am so excited. I have my first song on the Indieheaven Radio Charts “Breaking Free” from my CD “In Spirit and Truth.” Go check it out and rate it so I can move up! Do you realize it is not God’s intention for us to be in bondage – so keep “Breaking Free.” This song was inspired by Beth Moore’s Bible Study Breaking Free.

A Message from My Heart

Praying! What are you doing in your prayer life? Are you spilling out your dos and don’ts to God or are you inviting Him to take up residence in your life. Imagine communicating with God as you would your best friend. Imagine God is sitting on your sofa holding your hand as you pour out your heart. How about the next time some driver cuts you off instead of grumble, pray for them. They may have just lost their job, or are rushing to the hospital because their loved one has been in an accident. How many times do we get caught up in the what about me syndrome? In the Bible Paul tells us to pray without ceasing or pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray about anything and everything because after all, God is everywhere and in everything.

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. ” – 2 Timothy 1:3 (New International Version)

Highlights of Previous Events

My time with the National Council of Women in Ministry, Nashville Chapter was God ordained. The ladies and I had a wonderful time in the Lord. I got to know them better and learn about their individual ministries. That helps me know how to best pray for them. My favorite part was praying with them. If you are a woman in ministry check this group out! They are small but Spirit filled and Spirit lead! I
believe God has wonderful plans for this group.

Next Ministry Events

• • July 15th, I will be taping for a program called Music City Explosion which airs on channel 17, the old PAX channel. I let you know when the air date is.
  • July 30th I will be sharing a song at my home church Nashville Grace Church of the Nazarene in the evening service my son may even sing with me.

Works in Progress

• • Bookings for the rest of this year and 2007. Pray for this mission or partner with me to speak or sing at your church or event.
  • I am partnering with Indieheaven’s new booking division.
  • Looking for someone that can score some of the songs from In Spirit and Truth for choral sheet music (affordably)
  • I had a unique opportunity to sing back-up on a demo called “What About Jack” which is being considered for the next Santa Claus movie.
  • There is also a country artist named Becca that may be interested Several demos out there of my originals pray they get picked up. It pays the bills. I have also entered a few contests. Every little thing helps build this ministry.
  • I have submitted to yet two more radio stations, as of now, I am on 5 radio stations. Not bad for an independent. I will be adding a Media Page to the website so you can see when and where I am on the air or TV.

God Bless you all!!

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In this Random Notes June 2006 first Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads!

If you don’t know I will tell you that my hubby and I are huge history buffs so here is a history lesson on Father’s Day for you.

“The first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a “father’s day.”

In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day. Father’s Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father’s Day. “ taken from www.holidays.net/father/story.htm

Welcome

Some of you are new to Judith Baker. I am just a simple lady trying her best to make a joyful noise. Welcome to Random Notes June 2006. I want to point out some of the features on the website.

Next Ministry Events

We have been busy in the Baker home. Both kids are off to camp at some point in the summer and our oldest is going on a mission trip to help with the re-building efforts for Katrina. So in my spare time – I have been focusing on the ministry in bits and pieces and enjoying having time with my children.

• • June 24th, I am speaking/singing at the National Coalition of Women in Ministry, Smyrna, TN
  • June 25th ministering in at my Nashville Grace Church of the Nazarene

A Message for You from My Heart

Mother’s day was beautiful. I started with Mary Wood’s song “Your Our Beautiful Baby” which was very appropriate for the morning. I am grateful I made it through her original the song without tears! I am honored she asked me to sing it for her son’s baby dedication.

After that I joined out choir and once we were done many of us headed to the Ladies room. I meet a lady in the bathroom that was bawling her eyes out. I just could not leave her because she truly seemed to be hurting. Later I found out her daughter had been killed in Iraq and this was her first Mother’s day without her. I was glad I was there to just be an ear and shoulder for this dear lady. Her tragedy broke my heart but bravely I told her the day will come when she is ready to stop asking why and be able to ask what next.

In my own humanness, many days I ask why? God, why I haven’t got this or that, why isn’t my ministry like this person or that person? Why is this taking so long? If I just get over myself and first seek God so I have my armor on and the blade of my sword sharpened; then, instead of asking why I can confidently ask what next! So I am sitting in our church this past Sunday and what did Pastor Dove preach on – the exact same thing!

Your prayers are always coveted and appreciated. I leave you with a wonderful prayer:

“O God, our Father . . . we know that today will bring us the opportunity to come closer to each other and nearer to thee; grant that we may so take that opportunity that when the evening comes we may be bound more firmly to one another, and in love to thee: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen” – William Barclay

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Happy Mother’s Day Moms from our Random Notes May 2006.

Hello everyone and greetings in the name of the LORD!

Next event – May 14th – I am thrilled and honored to sing “Your Our Beautiful Baby” words and music by Mary Woods, this Sunday for the dedication of their son David, at my home church here in Nashville. Their family will be coming in for the event. No pressure there – LOL! Please keep me in your prayers!

Friday, Hope Fest Jamz 2006, Murfreesboro, TN, was fantastic. What an amazing group of talented and loving people – 4GVN, Fly Faith Ladies, Narrow Gate, Ricky B and of course Chap. Brown and family. I am blessed to rub elbows with them and share our passion! There was a sweet spirit in the place. The fellowship was incredible! All the money raised from ticket sales is to benefit the Hope Center

Sunday, at Mt Moriah Baptist Church, Memphis, TN, boy did we have a time in the Lord! I shared my testimony of how God delivered me from being a Jehovah’s Witness and then spoke on “Finding Our Identity In Christ Through Paul’s Example.”  Many people shared how they were encouraged by the message God laid on my heart to share with them. I think at some point everyone struggles with their identity, I know I do – but put Christ in your life and He will become your identity!

Walking in Memphis

“Mt Moriah was founded in 1879. The oldest church in the area, It was relocated to this site in 1883, predating the Orange Mound community by seven years. A vernacular-sandstone building, the present edifice was completed in 1926, during the pastorate of the Rev. A. D. Bell (1926-1945).

The Rev. Roy W. Norsworthy, a Memphis civil rights leader, served as pastor from 1946-1986. In 1996, the 300-member church, under the Rev. Harvey B. Jackson, hosted the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.” (taken from the historical marker in front of the church – the Tennessee Historical Commission)

What an honor for me to be able to walk where those who fought for the day that “a person will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” walked. My family and I love history. This was a very deep and spiritual experience for me. Thank God that He knows our hearts and it matters not to God what our bodies are housed in.

I am blessed to have made some new friends over the weekend and I find it amazing how God can unite a bunch of people who have never met! I imagine this is how it will be in heaven! Check out the photos from the weekend.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light
and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all”. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, NIV

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National Day of Prayer 2006 – NDP

Today is the National Day of Prayer! For our Random Notes May 2006 – NDP I want to a deeper look at this day. I used to be an event coordinator when I worked as an Environmental Health & Safety Manager is North Charleston, SC. Here is the prayer for this year. It was written by Dr. Henry Blackaby

“Oh Heavenly Father, You have made Yourself known to us as a nation by Your mighty works throughout our history. From the beginning, You have arm has saved us. We have been amazingly and graciously blessed. Today, we confess our sin of not responding to Your right to rule in our lives and our nation. Too often we have despised and rejected Your will while imposing our own, and we are now facing the consequences of our disobedience.

Draw us back to Yourself that we may return to Your ways once again. Without You we can do nothing. You have promised that if we honor You, You will once again honor this great nation. That is our fervent prayer. For Your honor and glory we pray, Amen.” – Dr. Henry Blackaby

For more visit the National Day of Prayer Website

Let me know how I can help a need in your church program