Locals look ahead to National Day of Prayer like no other

In a year perhaps unlike any other in living memory, Thursday’s National Day of Prayer may be taking on a greater significance in 2020.

“I have people in my family, some of them disbelievers, who are asking why COVID-19 is happening,” said John Gary, executive director of Cape Girardeau’s Gibson Recovery Center.

“I’m praying for people to see God’s miracles in this crisis,” he said.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Bob Fox sees a silver lining in an extraordinarily difficult year.

“We’ve been so divisive for so long,” said Fox, who became the city’s chief elected official in 2018, “but I see things changing.

“The federal government put aside personal feelings this spring and came together to do good,” Fox said, a reference to the congressional bipartisanship that produced the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“Maybe God can take this terrible coronavirus and use it as a healing force for the country as a whole,” Fox said.

Fox’s mayoral predecessor and longtime J.C. Penney store manager Harry Rediger goes a step further.

“It could be that this (pandemic) is a wakeup call from God,” Rediger said.

“We’ve got to get back to doing good,” he said. “But I’m fearful the future for my kids and grandkids will not be as bright.”

Emily Sachs, 21, is a May 2019 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and now works for the university as an admissions counselor.

“My prayer is for God to replace anxiety with wisdom, courage and bravery,” Sachs said.

“For myself, I’d ask God to stretch me, because this is a cool opportunity for all of us to grow,” she said.

“My prayer is for God to give me continued health and strength to help others,” Gary said.

“There is so much good going on now, people helping others, being connected,” he said. “I just pray this (feeling) will not wear off now that restrictions are being lifted.”

In Cape Girardeau, there are two virtual opportunities to take part in the National Day of Prayer.

• The Full Gospel Businessman’s Fellowship is holding a one-hour session beginning at noon Thursday featuring Andrew Kaminski of Denver as guest speaker and Phil Breithaupt, former choir director of Adult and Teen Challenge, will share in music. Attendees should use the Zoom app and use I.D. 6525500407.

Organizers use Romans 8:18 as a rallying text, which reads, “I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us.”

The focus of prayer will be seven sectors of society: government, military, media arts, education, business, church and family.

NOTE: Social media posts indicating the event will be held at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau are incorrect.

• Another virtual event will be livestreamed via Facebook beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday from Cape First Church.

La Croix and Lynwood Baptist churches are partnering in the service.