PRAYERS GO OU FOR ELECTIONS

Pre-election prayers asked God to guide voters at the polls today and the nation's leaders in the days to come.

About 40 people attended a service on the steps of the Common Pleas Courthouse in Cape Girardeau. The service lasted about 45 minutes.

The service was based on a Bible verse in II Chronicles, 7:14: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked way; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Nine ministers representing different denominations led a portion of the program.

Americans seem more apt to fix the blame than to fix the problems, said the Rev. William Burke of First Church of the Nazarene. Fixing the problem requires Christians to stand up for their religious beliefs, he said.

"Anyone can look at our country and bellyache about what is wrong," said the Rev. Jim Caughlin of Evangelical United Church of Christ. Doing something to make a change is what's needed, he said.

"Use our prayer to help leaders feel the great need, to hear and obey you," said the Rev. Neil Stein of Centenary United Methodist Church.

Kim Ferguson said: "I believe America needs to hear from God. America needs forgiveness. Tomorrow let it be a beginning, a new awakening. Let Christian America arise."

The Rev. David Griesemer of First General Baptist Church said, "I hope today we as Christians stand for what is right."

The blessings of God are not dependent on the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, the Natural Law Party or any other party, he said. "His blessings are dependent on our willingness to stand with God."

State Rep. Mary Kasten, who coordinated the ceremony, said, "I think every election we should gather and do this."

She had hoped for a larger crowd but said, "The Bible says `Where two or three are gathered....' I think it was wonderful."

Sherri Mehner, who attended the ceremony, said, "God's word commands us to pray for our country and our leaders."

She added: "We need God to be our leader. I'm really excited that the people in Cape Girardeau care enough to participate. They are here to pray across party lines, to pray across denominational lines. We are united in prayer."

Maryln Rastl agreed: "Our country needs all the prayer it can get."