National Day of Prayer

Millions of people across the U.S. are expected to bow their heads in prayer on Thursday to observe this year’s National Day of Prayer. The day, which isn't a public holiday but was sanctioned by Congress more than 60 years ago, is held on the first Thursday of every May and is a time for people of all faiths to come together to pray and meditate.

-- Philip Ross, International Business Times

First of all, with respect to Mr. Ross, you aren't "expected" to do anything.  Millions are predicted to do much, however, in observance of the National Day of Prayer.

I'd like everyone to consider the obvious, other than Mr. Ross's misuse of a verb.  Why has the Federal government deemed it appropriate to assign a day of prayer?  Think about it.  Don't the major religious and spiritual precepts expect us to come together in peace, and to do it every waking minute of our lives?  Aren't we already expected by our beliefs to always treat each other with respect and tolerance?

This is a day where most of our religious and spiritual leaders can, once again, do what they should be doing daily, and what I am doing right this minute, discussing prayer with those of faith.  But, I have a better idea.  If our faith is so weak as to have a day assigned to focus on it, why bother?  If it is as strong as it should be, then why don't we take this day to discuss our faith and spiritual beliefs with those of differing beliefs?  Why don't we take this day to discuss and celebrate each other's beliefs; our spiritual diversity?

I suppose it is good that we set a day aside; I just wish we would set it aside in such a way as to celebrate each other in our city parks and squares as we would any other fair or celebration.  I'd like to see booths with ethnic foods.  Religious and spiritual leaders of diverse faiths addressing us, from a gazebo dais, about peace, love, and tolerance toward each other.  We shouldn't have to pay for a breakfast to hear the righteous speak, and the righteous should be aware of this.

Take this day, and every day, to pray or celebrate your faith.  Always be tolerant, be loving, be forgiving, be understanding, and be at peace.