In these tumultuous days, there are scores of people or groups telling us what our nation needs. It needs financial stability, it needs jobs, it needs corporate accountability, it needs tolerance, it needs universal health care, it needs true leadership. The catch-all phrase to summarize all of the above and more is that America needs change.

Based on my world view, what America truly needs is proseuche. In 1775, the First Continental Congress said America needed proseuche. The First Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from 12 of the original 13 colonies that first met on September 5, 1774 to consider the colonies' options in regard to grievances against England.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a call to proseuche with these introductory words: "Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations … And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord…."

Another president, Harry S. Truman, invoked the need for proseuche in 1952 and signed into law a bill establishing a day for proseuche. President Ronald Reagan amended the law in 1988 and set aside a specific day of a specific month for proseuche on behalf of the nation.

A brief history, yes, but one charged with intentions and actions that would, in all likelihood, set off a firestorm of endless controversy and debate. Our heritage, from its earliest beginnings to recent history, is grounded in proseuche; yet today's "politically correct" charged atmosphere would endanger even the most benign suggestion on the part of government that proseuche is not only necessary but absolutely appropriate and crucial to the future of our nation.

Fortunately, before the voices of postmodern secularization could have their way, President Truman signed into law the establishment of a National Day of Prayer. Subsequently, in 1988, President Reagan amended the law, designating the first Thursday of May as the official National Day of Prayer.

Proseuche, from which we get the word prayer, is Greek for "communion with God." Such communion involves talking with God, listening to God, being quiet and still with God, and enjoying the presence of God. On Thursday, May 7, all Americans may respond to the call to proseuche for our nation by participating in events or creating time in their personal schedules to pray for America.

I can think of no better time than now to pray for our nation; she is facing great and challenging difficulties. She is wrestling for direction and purpose. She is yearning for a strong moral compass that will guide her through the increasing array of calamitous struggles. She is desperate for strong leadership, carefully considered strategies and deep commitments from those who make the decisions to do the right and the best things for her future.

On Thursday, I hope you will join me as I practice proseuche during the National Day of Prayer. As I talk with and listen to God, I will seek His wisdom for our government, for President Obama and his administration. I will pray for our military and for the media, a powerful influence in our nation. I will pray for business, education and families. And more.

Those who have come before us got it right. America needs to practice proseuche.

T&D columnist Harris Murray may be reached at writeharris55@yahoo.com.

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