Ginny Owens to Perform at National Day of Prayer

Ginny McCabe | Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer | Updated: May 04, 2011

Ginny Owens to Perform at National Day of Prayer

Ginny Owens has been busy penning a new song for the National Day of Prayer. The multiple Dove Award and ASCAP Award winner will perform at the 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer observance in Washington, D.C., on May 5.

In an interview with Crosswalk.com, Owens said that the song she will sing for more than 400 attendees at the Cannon House Office Building commemoration focuses on this year’s theme: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”

“[The theme] is based on Psalm 91:2: ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ The song is based on that idea,” Owens said. “It talks about the fact that we serve a big God, who has power, and he can change things. The song is about the power of getting on our knees and talking to a powerful God.”

In addition to sharing the new song, Owens will perform songs from her 2009 hymns record, Say Amen: Hymns And Songs Of Faith, as well as some older fan favorites such as “Say Amen” and “If You Want Me To.”

As Owens gears up for the National Day of Prayer event, she said a lot is on her mind, but she knows firsthand that prayer can make a difference in our individual lives and in the world.

“Our country is in quite a state right now with all of the uprising in the Middle East, in places like Libya that overturn its government and of course, our own government being out of money. It is a dark time and it is a season that I hope will call people back to their knees and one that will drive them and encourage them to ask God for his hand, for his help and his protection again.”

Personally, the songwriter has seen the impact of prayer as she’s worked on her latest album, “Get In, I’m Driving.” The album releases from Soul Stride Records on August 9, and reflects on Owens’ life experiences over the past five years.

"The songs were born out of some interesting times in my life and some trials. For instance, I moved to New York for half of a year, which was a wonderful time, but a time when I really came to think of and wonder what’s it like to share the Gospel with people that are very much against it. That was an eye-opening experience,” Owens said.

“And, my Mom was diagnosed with cancer, so I moved to be with her for a while and to see her through her treatments. She’s cancer-free now and doing awesome, but even that experience brought about some songs. I had a lot of experiences that really made me think about, ‘Okay, what are the bare bones of faith? And, if I articulate my faith, what does that look like?”

The importance of sharing her faith and praying for change makes her anxious to see the U.S. leaders rely on the Lord.

“I am very curious to see what it is like to witness prayer of those who run the country and those who make decisions for us every day and to see them pray. I am really looking forward to that,” she continued.

While the event centers on prayer, organizers of the event anticipate that Owens’ music will inspire those who are in attendance.

“We are excited that Ginny Owens will be joining us as the special musical guest for this year’s National Observance in Washington DC. As a person of strong faith and prayer, her music has inspired countless people to place their hope and trust in Almighty God – that’s a message that our country needs to hear given the many challenges we’re currently facing,” said Michael Calhoun, Director of Strategic Communications for the National Day of Prayer Task Force (NDPTF).

Joining Owens for the event is keynote speaker, Mrs. Joni Eareckson Tada, 2011 Honorary Chairman of the NDPTF. Other speakers include Dr. and Mrs. James C. Dobson, Congressman Allen West, Chaplain Barry Black, Justice Paul Newby, Captain Ryan Voltin and Rabbi Daniel Lapin, among others.

“I’m both honored and excited to be a part of the National Day of Prayer events this year. What a privilege to live in a country where we can pray publicly for our government leaders, the state of our nation, and the world in which we live. It is a rare freedom; one I pray we continue to have for years to come,” Owens said.

For more information about Ginny Owens, visit www.GinnyOwensMusic.com. For more information about the National Day of Prayer, or to find an in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org.

Ginny Owens to Perform at National Day of Prayer