The National Day of Prayer

Abstract

HIS MAJESTY THE KING, having expressed a desire that March 23 should be observed as a national day of prayer, statements have been issued by leaders of religious bodies in Great Britain. Dr. Lang, the Archbishop of Canterbury, after observing that “we are now approaching or entering a critical stage in the tremendous struggle”, considers it most fitting that the King, as head of the nation, “should once again call it to renew the acknowledgement of its need of God and dependence on Him”, and to pray for “His forgiveness of all that has been amiss in our national life, for strength and guidance in the stern and testing days which may be coming, and, if it be His will, for good success”. The Primate observes also that with such prayers it is right that “we should offer thanksgivings for mercies already received”, alluding to “the wonderful way in which we have escaped the dangers which surrounded us last summer and autumn”. His Eminence Cardinal Hinsley, Archbishop of Westminster, declares that, “the stern trials that face us call for the light and strength which God alone can give. Moreover, the mercies we have received in answer to prayer should cause us to lift up our hearts in thanksgiving to ‘the God of all consolation’ ”. His Eminence also urges the faithful “to pray that this deadly strife among nations may speedily end in a true peace based on justice and love”.