Local churches to host Day of Prayer events Thursday

Southeast Missourians will join thousands of other communities Thursday to pray for the government, military, families and schools during the 59th annual National Day of Prayer.

The Rev. Paul Short, senior pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, said prayer events such as Thursday's help focus one's attention solely on God.

"All through world history God honors the gathering of people that come together for prayer, praise and worship," Short said. "It's not that individuals who pray alone don't matter to God, but God honors people coming together for the common lifting up of voices, concerns and celebrations."

The day's events in Cape Girardeau begin at 6:30 a.m. with a time of prayer at Cape First. For those unable to attend the morning service, Cape First will broadcast the service live at www.capefirst.org. St. Andrew Lutheran Church will host a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.

The Rev. Mark Anderson, senior pastor of Lynwood Baptist Church, said praying for elected officials on a local, state and national level is of the utmost importance.

"I believe one of the most effective and critical ways we can support those in authority over us is to pray for them," Anderson said. "We also pray our nation will return to God and the Judeo-Christian values of our forefathers. I hope many will come together in our area this Thursday to pray for and support our leaders."

For more information about the local event, call 334-4421. More information on the National Day of Prayer can be found at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent addresses:

804 N. Cape Rock Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO

254 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, MO