Calling on God

National Day of Prayer ceremony draws about 100

By Laura Johnston ~ Southeast Missourian

JACKSON, Mo. -- The rain Thursday morning might have dampened the grounds, but it certainly didn't dampen the spirit of the people who attended the National Day of Prayer gathering, nor did it dilute their prayers.

Morning rainstorms forced the service to move to First Presbyterian Church, and was probably to blame for a smaller-than-usual crowd. About 100 people attended the service, which lasted nearly two hours. Normally, the service is held on the lawn outside the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse and tends to draw double Thursday's attendance.

Those who came spoke of the power prayer offers, its ability to unite and the liberty it offers.

"I've often felt there is power in prayer and that great power can do a lot of things," said the Rev. David Butler. "But we can't do anything until we've knelt before the almighty God and called on him for help."

During the service, prayers were offered for forgiveness and repentance. Others were offered for national, state and local leaders, the judicial system, U.S. military, university and schools, businesses and media.

Fifteen people -- high school students, community members and ministers -- were asked to offer prayers for all those attending the service.

Students carrying backpacks came on their lunch breaks from school, mothers carrying diaper bags for their infants and toddlers, and older couples sat together among the rows of pews inside the church.

At their seats people offered prayers in whispers as someone led the crowd from a podium at the front of the sanctuary. Each prayer leader, selected in advance of the noon service, had a different area over which to pray: schools, families and military were just a few. The service began with the honor guard and presentation of the flags by a Boy Scout and a Girl Scoutand ended with the song "God Bless America," led by Robyn Hosp. Though Hosp began the chorus, she invited everyone to stand and sing on the second verse.

Changing themes

The theme for the National Day of Prayer was "America United Under God" from Psalms 46:1. The verse was selected after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The original theme was "Righteousness Exalts a Nation," based on Scripture from Proverbs 14:13.

Many of the prayers made reference to how America has been seeking God in the face of tragedy.

The nation needs to turn from its independence back to dependence on God, said Melissa Walters, a sophomore at Jackson High School. "Nothing lasts like the love and grace of God."

But often people neglect the gifts God has given them and only seek him out when tragedy strikes or when it's convenient, said Tabbatha Storz, another Jackson sophomore. "We need a spiritual relationship with God."

Prayer offers that communication with God, she said. "Unless we take up a prayer life we'll die spiritually."

Even spiritual leaders need prayer, particularly when they are the ones supposed to guide congregations through distressing times. Butler asked those who were at the service to continue praying, and to pray particularly for ministers.

In praying for the spiritual leaders in the region, the Rev. Luther Rhodes said, "I don't have to have the answers but if I seek God, then he will reveal them."

For many, the service was an emotional one. Both Walters and Storz wiped away tears from their eyes as they stepped away from the podium and returned to the pews.

"This truly has been the Lord's day for what he's doing among us," said Sherri Mehner, organizer of the area's National Day of Prayer events.

The National Day of Prayer was established by Congress in 1952. In 1988 the law establishing the holiday was changed to make its observance on the first Thursday in May each year.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126