A federal appeals court has thrown out a ruling that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional and has ordered that the lawsuit against it be dismissed. A federal judge ruled last year that the day established by an act of Congress and proclaimed each year by the president is an unconstitutional call for religious action by government. But a three-judge panel of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously Thursday that the Freedom From Religion Foundation did not have standing to bring the lawsuit, because while the plaintiffs disagree with the proclamation, they haven’t suffered any harm from it. Chief Judge Frank Easterbrook said in the opinion, “Although this proclamation speaks to all citizens, no one is obligated to pray any more than a person would be obligated to hand over his money if the president asked all citizens to support the Red Cross or any other charity.” He added “The president has made a request. He has not issued a command. No one is injured by a request that can be declined.” The tradition of designating an official day of prayer began with the Continental Congress in 1775. Since that time president’s have issued similar proclamations and appeals to “the Almighty”. Typically all 50 governors have issued National Day of Prayer proclamations. This year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, May 5th.