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. Two weeks later, 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 led 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's false leadership. Such a policy, Ted has warned for the last 20 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's leaders.

During the last 22 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.

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.