National Day of Prayer held

CORRIGAN -- The Corrigan community celebrated the National Day of Prayer last Wednesday, May 2 at the city gazebo. The actual date for the National Day of Prayer was Thursday, May 3 but Chairman Patrick Whitehead felt that it would be easier for the churches to gather on Wednesday night. The participating churches were First Assembly of God Church, Union Springs Missionary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, Stryker Baptist Church and Time for Harvest Church. Several pastors and church leaders prayers over certain topics. The theme of the event was -- One nation under God and the key verse was Psalms 33:12- Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Event organizers pointed out the National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, as evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. The service is non-denominational and area pastors and laymen have been asked to pray for specifi c segments of government, elected offi cials and the community. The service has also traditionally prayed for those serving in the military. The topics that were prayed on were: 1 - Govt.- Pastor Phil Corbett of First Assembly of God 2 - Military- Pastor John Tyler of First United Methodist 3 - Media - Worship Leader Monica Massey of First Assembly of God 4 - Business - Pastor Ralph Johnston of First Baptist Church 5 - Education- Associate Pastor Johnathan Clark of Time for Harvest church 6 - Church - Associate Pastor Sherman Hoot of Union Springs Missionary Baptist Church 7 - Family - Pastor Lesly Wilkinson of Union Springs Missionary Baptist Church 8 - Local Church Unity- Evangelist Patrick Whitehead First Assembly of God Church 9 - Guidance for city leaders- Pastor Rick Clark of Time for Harvest Church In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, National Day of Prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, offi cially designating the day as the fi rst Thursday of May and each year the president signs a proclamation, inviting all Americans to take part. All 50 state governors issue similar proclamations. The National Day of Prayer provides an opportunity for the community of faith to take advantage of our freedom to worship and keep the Lord in the public arena. On May 1, President Obama signed this year’s Presidential Proclamation offi cially recognizing Thursday, May 3rd, 2012, as the 61st Annual National Day of Prayer. In his proclamation, he calls upon individuals – “ to pray for guidance, grace, and protection for our great nation as we address the challenges of our time.” Approximately 100 people attended the event. “I hope this event continues and grows larger every year,” Whitehead said. To learn more about National Day of Prayer go to www.NationalDayofPrayer. org.