Is a National Day of Prayer Unconstitutional?
The higher courts will be hearing arguments regarding the constitutionality of a “National Day of Prayer,” following a lower court ruling against recognizing this day. This is not a holiday where businesses close or work is stopped. It is not a directive to pray. Nor is it a promotion for organized religion. Rather, setting aside one day a year to allow those so inclined to unite through the power of prayer to seek wisdom, courage and strength for the people of this nation (particularly our leaders) is about as American as it can be. This case was filed by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. The judge agreed with the group, indicating that this was a religious issue and that atheists “feel” marginalized by proclaiming a national day of prayer. An attorney representing a group supporting prayer argued, “The National Day of Prayer not only reflect[s] our nation’s rich history, but are [is] indeed consistent with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.” Prayer was practiced by
