EVENTS ANNOUNCED FOR MAY 4 DAY OF PRAYER

Prayer isn't controversial, doesn't create denominational divides and is something everyone can do comfortably together, says the coordinator for National Day of Prayer events in Cape Girardeau.

National Day of Prayer shows "in action what it means to be part of the body of Christ," said Sherri Mehner, who has helped plan and coordinate the event for the past four years.

Although a week's worth of activities are set locally, National Day of Prayer observances are held around the country on May 4. The event is held each year on the first Thursday in May.

A Mayors' Prayer Breakfast is planned for 6:30 to 7:45 that morning at Osage Community Centre. Dr. Dan Steska, superintendent of Cape Girardeau schools, will be the speaker. A continental breakfast will be served. Tickets are $5 per person or $40 for a table.

Anyone who wants tickets should send payment to Mayors' Prayer Breakfast, 2845 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63703 and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so tickets can be mailed.

Last year's event was sold out. Nearly 1,000 people can be accommodated this year, Mehner said.

One single event has become a week of activities that include something for all ages, said Mehner. "Through the years people have become so enthusiastic," she said. "Rather than it just being a day, it's become a week."

Each year more people get involved. Events are also planned in Jackson.

"There is the realization that it's not just what we are doing in Cape, but that people are participating all over the nation," she said.

Having a corporate prayer event lets people know that everyone is responsible for praying for the nation's leaders, she said.

The theme for the event is "Pray 2K: America's Hope for the New Millennium." It is based on scripture from Romans 12:12, which says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

There was an emphasis on repentance and preparing for prayer at the national leaders' conference, Mehner said.

"When we come to God with our petitions, then we should come with clean hands and pure hearts," Mehner said.

There are reminders that people should pray. Many yards display Ten Commandments signs that serve to show people take a stand for their faith, Mehner said. "People are taking a more aggressive attitude to stand up and be visible," said Mehner.

With school violence and crime people see greater reasons to pray, said Mehner. "People want to come together to pray," she said. They aren't concerned with who might be leading a service but with the integrity of that leader, she said.

Day of Prayer events

May 1

* 7 p.m., "Back to the Basics" service at Blanchard Elementary School. Churches hosting the event: Christ Church of the Heartland, First Assembly of God Church, Greater Dimension Church, First Church of God, New Plymouth Community Church, St. James AME Church, Vineyard Christian Fellowship, West Side Church of God and Worldwide Church of God.

May 2

* 7 p.m., prayer service at Cape Bible Chapel. Event hosted by Cape Bible Chapel, Cornerstone Church, La Croix United Methodist Church, Living Way Church and Lynwood Baptist Church.

May 3

* 7-8 p.m., youth prayer rally at Cape Girardeau Central High School's old gym. Event includes worship, music, a video presentation and prayer. Hosted by Youth Pastors Network.

May 4

* Mayors' Prayer Breakfast from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. Doors open at 6 a.m. Dr. Dan Steska, superintendent of Cape Girardeau schools, will be featured speaker. Tickets are $5 each or $40 per table. Tickets are available by writing Mayors' Prayer Breakfast, 2845 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63703. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that tickets can be mailed to you.

* Noon prayer service at County Courthouse steps in Jackson. Music by Robyn Hosp, Mid-America Teen Challenge choir and Dr. Mark Fulghum.

For more information call 651-0097.