Perry Ministerial Association hosts National Day of Prayer 

PERRY – “We are just grateful that you came out to support our city and our nation on our National Day of Prayer. Our forefathers knew that prayer was going to be the key to how this nation would stay blessed.”

Perry Ministerial Association President and The Assembly at Perry Pastor Tim McLauchlin said these words as he greeted those in attendance at their National Day of Prayer Ceremony outside Perry City Hall Thursday.

McLauchlin said that in 1775, the first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln also called for a National Day of Prayer. In 1952, President Harry Truman called for the National Day of Prayer to be an annual event, and in 1988, President Ronald Reagan called for it to be the first Thursday of every May. 

“We’re grateful for our forefathers who knew and understood the importance of coming together in a time of unity and prayer for our nation, community, and local church,” he said. “I’m grateful for all of the speakers that have shown up today and are taking part in this prayer.” 

Perry Mayor Randall Walker gave his opening remarks and comments, saying the ceremony was a wonderful time to gather and pray for various aspects of daily life.

Walker did have one request for the attendees. 

“We need to pray for our nation,” he said. “Our nation is at a point where all of us need to make time out of our schedule and pray for leadership and guidance for what’s going on in our country.” 

The prayer for our city was led by Pastor John Lehenbauer of Christ Lutheran Church and School. 

“Heavenly Father, we give you thanks so we can gather in this community and have this opportunity to pray as we do,” he said. “We thank you for this community which we live in; here you place this in a locale which is a desirable place for many to live, and many are trying to place their residencies here.”

State Senator Larry Walker led the prayer for our state. 

“We are so blessed to live in the greatest country in the world and are so fortunate to have the freedom to be able to gather here today,” he said. “Heavenly Father, we thank you for the state of Georgia and the bountiful opportunities, quality of life and the fine citizens we have that make up our state.” 

Pastor Don Caulley of Grace Church led the prayer for our nation, asking for forgiveness for the nation and world peace.

“I pray where there’s hostility that you would bring unity, that you would bring oneness of heart and spirit,” he said. “I pray that you would be manifested in these situations that Jesus will be glorified and magnified in Ukraine, Israel, throughout the Middle East and college campuses.” 

Air Force Chief MSgt. Eric Fowler led the prayer for the military. 

“Heavenly Father, thank you that we live in a community that honors the military and that every day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces Appreciation Day,” he said. “We thank you for the freedoms we enjoy because of their service to our country and give them strength and courage to overcome everything that stands against them today.” 

Lt. Crystal Zion of the Georgia State Patrol led the prayer for our first responders. 

“We come before you today to ask for your blessings and guidance for all those who serve and protect our communities,” she said. “We pray for our law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS crews and all others who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe and out of harm’s way.” 

Georgia Right to Life Vice President Lenoris Daniels led the prayer for family. 

“God, we pray for the fathers and mothers, God, that their hearts will be turned back to you,” he said. “May our fear of the Lord rest upon our hearts and may your word pierce our hearts; may we embrace the foundation of your word and we thank you for these beautiful families.” 

Pastor Lewis Kiger of Memorial Heights Baptist Church led the prayer for unity and revival. 

“Heavenly Father, Your word tells us that you are not the author of confusion, rather, you are a God of order, unity, oneness and peace,” he said. “Let us think your thoughts and help us value what you deem good that we may, in turn, show this world that Christ alone is worth it.” 

Pastor Pat Jefferson of Oak Grove Memorial led the prayer of dismissal. 

“We gather at the close of this gathering to acknowledge your power over our lives, this country and most of all, your church,” she said. “May your face continue to shine upon us and be gracious unto us.”

McLaughlin then gave his closing remarks:

“On behalf of the Perry Ministerial Association, we want to thank each one of you for showing up today and participating in the National Day of Prayer,” he said. “It is my hope that it doesn’t stop here, but that it carries on in your home, church, and workplace.”