By George Kackos
"Emmaus, then, shall be its name," declared bishop Spangenberg on April 3, 1761.
For years the Moravian brethren from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, had visited the village and brought the gospel of Jesus Christ. So it was fitting to name it after the biblical village of Emmaus where Jesus met two of his disciples (Luke 24:13-35).
Since then the village of Emmaus has grown into a borough of more than 11,000 people, and its borough hall has been a National Day of Prayer site.
Last year my wife, Merry, and I decided to attend their prayer services. With its religious heritage, we expected to join with many others.
As we drove up, we saw a lone woman on a park bench.
"Are you sure this is the right place?" asked Merry. "Yes," I replied with shaken confidence.
To verify my answer, I asked the woman if she was there for the day of prayer. She smiled and said, "Yes."
The scripture, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them," filled my mind.
We introduced ourselves and discussed a prayer format.
I began by reading 2 Chronicles 7:13-19, highlighting verse 14: "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." This was the keynote verse for last year's Day of Prayer.
Afterward four women joined us. Our group had grown to seven.
We introduced ourselves and found we were all Christians, then joined hands and formed a prayer circle. Merry was the first to pray.
I was touched by her words. She gave thanks for the opportunity to pray together. She asked for humility to confess our sins and sought God's blessing on our youths--the leaders of the future.
In successive order, the women continued the prayer circle. With deep emotions, they acknowledged their lack of Christian zeal, pleaded for our national leaders and sought deliverance from various problems. One asked that Jesus meet the people of Emmaus like he met his disciples on the way to Emmaus.
When it was my turn to pray, I acknowledged that we were all Christians. This moved some to openly express agreement. I confessed the problem of denominationalism that has divided us. I added my concerns for our nation's difficulties.
When we completed our prayer circle, a man approached us. What were we doing, he wondered? One of the women explained our purpose.
He said, "We should pray for the politicians because they've caused our problems, not the ordinary person."
After he left, I told the women that I disagreed. We all bear a responsibility for our national sins: "What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin" (Romans 3:9).
They agreed and expressed concern that many lack zeal for God. This was apparent from the lack of interest in our gathering.
What a contrast with the interest in Jesus when Emmaus was founded.
On that day, the bishop shared these words with the people:
"Their eyes were opened--Christ was here! Forthwith they saw him disappear.
"Did not our hearts burn as he taught
"Of many truths for which we sought?'
"They rose up then that very hour.
"Proclaimed to all this mighty Pow'r.
"Today our hearts and soul rejoice
"That old Emmaus heard his voice.
"Now here we build a village small;
"Toward its completion we give all;
"Here, too, our hearts within shall flame--
"Emmaus, then, shall be its name!"
That flame for God needs to be rekindled in Emmaus and cities throughout the United States. Through the National Day of Prayer, we can flame that fire--a fire that needs to burn brightly in our hearts.
This year many of our churches are announcing prayer service locations. Other sources of information are the religious sections of newspapers, Christian radio and television stations and the National Day of Prayer Task Force 1-800- 444-8828.
If you cannot attend an organized event you can set aside time at home to pray by yourself or with family and friends.
As Paul said: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
March 18, 1997, WN, page 14
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