Dear God, our Heavenly Father,
As we observe National Developmental Disability Awareness Month, we lift the developmentally disabled to You in prayer as a tribute.
In March of 1987, President Ronald Reagan designated March to raise awareness and support for people with developmental disabilities. Each March, three national organizations—the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)—joined forces through a campaign to highlight the ways the developmentally disabled unite with other people in society to form strong communities (www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/press/march-is-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month/).
Therefore, Heavenly Father, as we in America continue President Reagan’s designation to honor this awareness month, may You enable the Holy Spirit to fill the NACDD, the AUCD, the NDRN, and all of us—families, caregivers, and educators—with love, peace, patience, faith, goodness, and perseverance to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, as Scripture of Proverbs 31:8 in the New Living Translation advises. Remind us to be the voice to advocate for the developmentally disabled, fighting against prejudice and discrimination they face in society, and ensuring they have equal opportunities of navigating healthcare, transportation, employment, and education to meet their needs. As we train, teach, and guide them to overcome their challenges to obtain a successful life, may You uphold them with Your victorious, right hand (Isaiah 41:10, New Living Translation)!
Like all mankind on earth, we believe You created the developmentally disabled in Your image (Genesis 1:27, New International Version). Hence, like all mankind, they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14, New International Version). May Your Spirit enable all Americans to embrace this belief! May Your glory shine upon the developmentally disabled in America as we support them this month! In Jesus’ name. Amen—Kenneth Sullivan.