The
Story of the National Prayer Network
During times of crisis, such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars,
America and the presidency were receptive to the idea of a national
day dedicated to nothing but fasting and prayer. They recognized that
divine intervention, in response to the repentance of the nation, is
always crucial to America's survival.
In 1979, Rev. Claude Pike, a pastor and politically conservative radio
commentator, read an article by Richard Viguery, editor of Conservative
Digest, calling for a return to a national day of fasting and prayer.
Amazed that such an opportunity to uplift the nation could have been
neglected, Rev. Pike conceived a bold plan to publicize the need for
such a day. Being pilots, Rev. Pike and his two sons, John and Ted,
during the summer of 1980, flew their ancient 1929 Bellanca monoplane
(the same type that first flew the Pacific in 1931) in an aerial tour
around America. From Portland, Oregon, they visited towns spanning
Nebraska, Michigan, Kentucky, Texas, New Mexico, and California. They
pulled a huge aerial banner across the skies, proclaiming "Pray
for America." A powerful loud speaker, directed downward from
the aircraft, boomed out "Pray for America!" above U. S.
cities.
Through press conferences, patriotic rallies, and petition signing
throughout the next year, the Pikes, with the help of many other concerned
Americans, succeeded in reawakening an interest in a National Day of
Prayer. Finally, in January of 1982, Rev. Pike had the opportunity
to talk personally with Morton Blackwell, the President's liaison with
America's religious community. He insisted that Blackwell make every
effort to impress upon President Reagan the urgency of reinstating
this forgotten tradition. Perhaps as a result of that conversation,
Rev. Pike received an invitation from the White House to attend a gathering
of religious leaders to witness the signing of the President's proclamation
of a National Day of Prayer on Feb.12, 1982.
With official recognition, the National Day of Prayer became an annual
event, which large Christian organizations such as Campus Crusade,
Focus on the Family and Concerned Women for America have promoted,
making powerful use of their efforts to bring America back to Christian
moral values.
Since then, Claude, John, Ted and their families have been undiminished
in their concern for the moral awakening of America. As part of such
concern, they have been lead to focus, largely through the writings
and video productions of Ted Pike, upon a reexamination of the church's
unbiblical policy of unconditional support of Zionism, right or wrong.
Such a policy, Ted has warned for the last 25 years, would only alienate
the Arab world from the gospel and stimulate international Arab terrorism.
This prophecy was graphically fulfilled on September 11, 2001, as Arab
terrorists lashed out against a Christian America which has turned
a deaf ear to more than half a century of oppression of Palestinians
by Israel.
During the last 30 years, many thousands of Americans have been impacted
by the radio broadcasts of Rev. Claude Pike, and the literary and video
productions of his son, Rev. Ted Pike. It is such continued interaction
with patriotic Christians and with the Holy Spirit, as He moves His
saints to fast and pray in time of need, that motivates the National
Prayer Network.
Highlights of the Pike's role in helping to reestablish the National
Day of Prayer
Spring, 1980
Rev. Claude Pike, John Pike, Ted Pike prepare 1929 "Old Glory" Bellanca
for publicity tour around America, drawing attention for the need to
revive the National Day of Prayer.
August 1980
"Old Glory" flies above towns and cities across America
towing an aerial banner, with "PRAY FOR AMERICA" booming
from a powerful amplifier.
September 6, 1980
"Old Glory" returns, laden with thousands of signed petitions
calling upon the President to re-instate the National Day of Prayer.
February 6, 1982
President Reagan, before Rev. Pike and other national religious leaders,
signs the proclamation requiring that the first Thursday in May be
observed as National Day of Prayer.
