“Let Freedom Ring,” written and performed by acclaimed worship leader, songwriter and author Dennis Jernigan, will serve as the theme song for the 53rd Annual National Day of Prayer (NDP), to be observed May 6. This year’s NDP theme, “Let Freedom Ring,” is based on Leviticus 25:10.
Jernigan will perform “Let Freedom Ring,” which is featured on his new Doxology Worship release, Hands Lifted High: Classic Worship Songs with Dennis Jernigan and Friends, at the NDP event in Washington, D.C. Author and television and radio host, retired Marine Col. Oliver North, is serving as the 2004 NDP Honorary Chairman and will provide the keynote address for the event.
Jernigan is also slated to perform the song at the Pentagon¹s NDP midday service, and will open the Nationally Broadcast Concert of Prayer, performing “Let Freedom Ring” from the steps of the Jefferson Memorial. The Nationally Broadcast Concert of Prayer will air May 6 at 8 p.m. EDT on various radio, internet, cable and satellite affiliates, including FamilyNet, Total Living Network, Dominion Sky Angel and Moody Broadcasting Network.
Shirley Dobson, National Day of Prayer Task Force Chairman, said Jernigan¹s song “powerfully reflects the theme of the 2004 National Day of Prayer. In “Let Freedom Ring,” Dennis Jernigan has written a worshipful and inspiring anthem. His composition is highly relevant to our situation in America today, when religious liberty is being eroded and public expressions of faith are in jeopardy. We are asking all believing Americans to embrace their First Amendment rights to gather, sing, and pray in the public square on May 6th. Together, we can ‘Let Freedom Ring.'”
“To have this song chosen for the National Day of Prayer is both humbling and affirming,” said Jernigan. “The NDP is a wonderful way to draw the nation together on many levels. When we pray together, denominational walls fall. When we pray together, God moves on our behalf, and even those who don’t know Him are awakened to the reality of their need for God.”
“What we want to do at Doxology Records is support ministries and organizations with music that communicates their passion and vision,” said Dan Posthuma, president, Doxology Records. “I can’t tell you what an honor it has been for Doxology to provide a theme song for Shirley Dobson and her team for the second year in a row. It is a personal joy to work with a songwriter like Dennis, who not only understands the vital role the National Day of Prayer plays in our country right now, but is able to capture that vision in a song which speaks to so many people.”
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States when the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer in 1775. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. As in previous years, President George W. Bush, all 50 state governors and the governors from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are expected to sign proclamations setting aside the first Thursday in May as a day of prayer.
The mission of the NDP is to communicate with every family the need for personal repentance and prayer, and to mobilize families to personal and corporate prayer, particularly on behalf of the nation and those in leadership on all levels of local, national, church and educational areas of influence.
Jernigan¹s latest project, Hands Lifted High: Classic Worship Songs with Dennis Jernigan and Friends, released April 6 and contains four new selections as well as 10 of his best-loved praise and worship songs. The project features duets with Jernigan and several of Christian music¹s top artists, including Twila Paris, Rebecca St. James, Jeff Deyo, Natalie Grant and Ron Kenoly, among others.
A worship leader, author and prolific writer of more than 2200 songs, many of Jernigan¹s compositions, including such titles as “You Are My All In All” and “Great Is The Lord Almighty,” have been recorded by numerous other artists over the years and included in various hymnals.
Franklin, Tennessee-based Doxology Records is devoted to introducing new songs of blessing and praise, artists with a servant¹s heart, and resources to nourish the church today. With guidance from a Church Advisory Board comprised of music ministers from across the country, as well as a multi-faceted Board of Directors that includes veterans in all areas of the Christian music industry, the Doxology label is distributed to the Christian retail marketplace via EMI CMG Distribution.
