Memorial Day often signifies the beginning of summer – a time filled with picnics, barbeques, swimming pools and social gatherings.  Many families across the U.S. will start this weekend commemorating Memorial Day with parades, remembrance ceremonies, and visits to historic monuments and memorial sites.

One iconic event that takes place each Memorial Day weekend is the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, more affectionately referred to as the Indy 500. In 1999, Billy Graham was asked to give the invocation at the 83^rd running of the Indianapolis 500.

We hope you’ll take a moment to read part of the prayer he shared on that afternoon in May, and that you and your family will have a blessed and safe Memorial Day.

Billy Graham:  Our Father and our God we thank You that You have spared us and blessed us with life and health to enjoy this day that You have made. We thank You for the men and women whom we remember on this Memorial Day weekend.

We remember in reading the Scriptures how often sports are mentioned as illustrations of our spiritual lives.

We ask for spiritual guidance for each of us, whether spectator or participant, that we may be better able to discern Your will in the days ahead. Give us the wisdom You have promised to those who ask and the strength that You alone can give.

We commit this occasion into your hands and we say, “God Speed.”

*Memorabilia items from the Indianapolis 500 are on display as part of the “Rooted in Prayer” exhibit at the Library through June 30