PERRY, Ga. — With a mid-spring sun high in the sky, people from all over the city gathered together Thursday at the Old Perry Courthouse to recognize the annual National Day of Prayer. Huddled under shaded tents, or standing under warm rays, those in attendance participated in several prayers for the health of the United States. Celebrations just like this one took place all over Houston County.
“Because of the faith of many of our founding fathers, public prayer and National Days of Prayer have longstanding significant history in American tradition. The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage,” Life Church Pastor Tim McLaughlin said. “Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the continental congress asked the colonies to ask for wisdom in forming a nation, the college or prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincolns proclamation of a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer in 1863.
“In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual National Day of Prayer, and in 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the President of the United states signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.”
According to McLaughlin, National Day of Prayer is specific to the Christian faith, but others hold days of their own similar to this one through out the year. The event encourages public prayer nationwide, and allows faith-based organizations to come together and celebrate the nation, while recognizing it’s hardships.
Prayers at the Perry Ministerial Association event ranged from the largest of units, the entire nation, to smaller groups, such as the state of Georgia, the military, first responders, and even family units. Leaders from several churches of varying denominations, as well as legislators, military members and law enforcement both attended the event, and participated in it.
Perry’s ceremony opened at 11 a.m. A period for worship was led by Glenn Jakes and Josiah Pait, of Perry Presbyterian Church and Life Church respectively. Pastor McLaughlin opened the ceremony, and students from Perry Middle School led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance. Perry Lutheran Church Pastor John Lehenbauer led an opening prayer, followed by Georgia Representative Bethany Ballard with a prayer for the state. Perry Presbyterian member Dan Peterson led a prayer for the nation, and Ret. CMSGT Eric Fowler, of the United State Air Force, prayed for the military. Georgia State Patrol Lt. Crystal Zion prayed for first responders, while Calvary Way Pastor Les Albritton led a prayer for unity and revival. Houston County Right to Life President Christine Braski led a prayer for families, and Oak Grove CME Church Pastor Pat Jefferson led a closing prayer.
Similarly, at Warner Robins City Hall, the Warner Robins Aglow organization put together a recognition of the National Day of Prayer.
Aglow member Emily Dennis led an opening prayer, after which WWII veteran John Manning led the Pledge of Allegiance. Evergreen Family Fellowship Women’s Ministry Leader Joyce Hutcherson led a prayer blessing first responder and law enforcement, and Dennis returned to lead the Prayer for our Nation, by Kathy Branzwell. Evergreen Family Fellowship Pastor Joe Senter prayed for repentance, personal renewal and spiritual and moral awakening, while Warner Robins Hispanic Four Square Church Pastor Luis Ramirez prayed for families. First United Methodist Church Lay Leader Gerald Boyd prayed over church and ministry organizations, as well as imprisoned and persecuted churches worldwide, while Warner RoH School students Olivia Cooley and Jackson Senter prayed for the youth and gangs. Peach County School System Superintendent Dr. Lionel Brown prayed for education, while End Times Harvest Church Pastor Melvin Womack led a prayer for military personnel and their families. Covenant Presbyterian Church Pastor Robert Jarrett prayed for the local, state and federal governments, while Deliverance Revival Church Pastor Kendra Norman Holmes prayed for art and entertainment. Magnolia Park Cemetery Manager Rob Farr led a prayer over culture, social issues and race relations, Faith Life Family Church Pastor J=Kendall Watrous prayed for mass media and Southside Baptist Church Pastor Jeremy Emory prayed for businesses and the economy. Barbara Pfannucke, of the Evergreen Family Fellowship Church, closed the ceremony with a prayer for peace in Jerusalem.
The National Day of Prayer is an annual event taking place on the first Thursday in May each year, reaching as high as the Office of the President of the United States. For more information, visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
HHJ News
