By Bramdy Guzman Sanabria
The National Day of Prayer is held every first Thursday of May. The purpose is to invite people to pray for our nation. Even though many have not heard about it, the National Day of Prayer was started way back in 1952 when Congress passed a resolution and it was signed by President Harry Truman. At a time when there were many challenges to America, the government thought that getting down to the basic values and principles were important.
Mrs. Soto, as advisor of the PHS Bible Club, has brought the National Day of Prayer to PHS. When asked why she said, “I believe in empowering students to reach their potential through words of encouragement and building their faith through the word of God.”
The Bible Club participates every year in the National Day of Prayer, where students have the opportunity to express their concerns about the topics that impact their lives. This year they prayed for the government, communities in and around Passaic and throughout the rest of the world, the military, education, families and social media, and how these affect youth. Mrs. Soto would like to express to students the following Bible verse, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Timothy 4:12
This year over 25 students participated, as well as members of the choir. The choir led worship songs. Students addressed all those in attendance, explaining the importance of prayer and how having a relationship with God is so important for a good life. All students read a portion of the Scripture and made a declaration in prayer concerning a topic that was crucial to them. The meeting was concluded with a PHS lead student stating how important the family is to feeling loved and taken care of as they struggle with life’s challenges, and that through faith a good home life could be achieved.
Superintendent Mrs. Montanez-Diodonet was present as well. She encouraged students to pursue their dreams and prayed for the welfare and wisdom of students and the whole community. On the National Day of Prayer, Passaic students were able to come together in fellowship, to pray for the welfare of their community be it the school, the city, or the whole world.
