NDR Media Coverage

Minnesota: A Day of Prayer to Get Governor's Blessing

By Stephen Scott
Religion Editor

Four years running, the National Day of Prayer took place without official blessing from the state of Minnesota.

Today, the predominantly Christian movement will get a boost from an official proclamation by Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the presence of the governor and his wife at separate National Day of Prayer events in the Twin Cities.

Gov. Pawlenty will participate in the annual prayer rally at the Capitol from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"It's been difficult the past fouryears to have the atmosphere where we felt welcomed," said Sharon Auldrich of Burns-ville, this year's volunteer state coordinator.

"We were always allowed to do it, but there was no excitement it was happening."

In recent years, former Gov. Jesse Ventura was reportedly the only U.S. governor to not offer a proclamation in support of the National Day of Prayer. He stated concerns about separation of church and state, and that he had to respect atheist citizens of the state, as well.

A national day of prayer has been held since President Harry Truman signed it into law in 1952. President Ronald Reagan in 1988 assigned the day as the first Thursday in May.

Dozens of events are scheduled throughout Minnesota today, from sunrise prayer breakfasts to noontime rallies at municipal centers to evening prayer services.

Mary Pawlenty was the master of ceremonies this morning at a sold-out prayer breakfast for 300 people at Vision of Glory Lutheran Church in Plymouth.

"She had so many invitations, and we're just so proud she could come because she's a woman of prayer and faith," coordinator Dar Sjostrom said.

The focus of the national day is to encourage prayer for the country and its leaders in government, religion and education.

"We strive to get involvement from churches, businesses, the city council and the school," said the Rev. Ben Morgan of the Babbitt Assembly of God. A noon gathering will be held at the Babbitt City Hall.

"It's an incredible time to see all those businesses and all those churches together for the common denominator of prayer, and recognizing our total dependence on God for our survival and success in these times in which we live."

Participants at some events will receive "I Prayed" stickers, similar to "I Voted" stickers distributed on Election Day.

Presidential proclamations typically have stressed that the day of prayer is inclusive of all religions.

In practice, most planners and participants represent the conservative wing of Christianity, which stresses more public prayer.

"They don't gear it as a Christian event, although it's predominantly run by Christians," said the Rev. Mark Opseth of Cedarwood Church in Apple Valley.

"I think they're very cautious about labeling it a Christian activit," Opseth said.

"You won't see any references about praying to Jesus, although I know at a lot of these local activities they'll be doing that."

Opseth helped to organize a noon prayer service at the Apple Valley municipal building, which Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland will attend.

"We have people from many different faiths," Ham-ann-Roland said.

"I'm reading a proclamation that speaks to that inclusivity. We need to honor that. That's what makes this such a great community."

Apple Valley organizers prompted business involvement as well and fifteen restaurants will put out table placards stating today was the National Day of Prayer.

"We realize not many people will go to a prayer event, but we hope that prompts people to pray when they see the placard sitting at their table," Opseth said.

The Capitol prayer event has been organized for several years by Prayer Transformation Ministries of Minneapolis.

"It's definitely from the standpoint of offering our prayers to God through Jesus Christ," said Carol Madison, the group's associate director.

"We're very clear we believe in raising up the name of Jesus."

Humanist organizations have countered with today's planned observation of the first National Day of Reason.

Copyright 2003 The Piorneer Press

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