WORSHIPPERS PUT ASIDE DIFFERENCES; UNITY EMPHASIZED AT DAY OF PRAYER EVENTS IN CAPE AND JACKSON

The nation would be stronger if Americans could learn to love one another regardless of religious affiliation and become united, a preacher told the Mayors' Prayer Breakfast on Thursday.

God can empower the church through prayer to take over what has been given up and take back what has been lost, said the Rev. LeRoy Sullivan of Kansas City, Kan.

Sullivan spoke to a sold-out crowd at the Osage Community Centre. The breakfast kicked off National Day of Prayer events in Cape Girardeau County. A noon prayer service was held on the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse lawn in Jackson, Mo., also helping mark the 50th year for the National Day of Prayer.

Sullivan said if people would stop noticing differences they would be more successful. He said a nation united under God would "be the most beautiful place."

If people want God's healing, they must come together in God, Sullivan said.

A crowd of 200 people did just that during a noon service on the courthouse lawn at Jackson.

"It's just time to come and stand up," said Goldie Benefield, a participant. "We've forgotten so many things and let it go."

Pastors from throughout the county offered prayers for mercy and forgiveness during the noon service, which included songs and choruses.

It has been the routine to highlight differences in churches, but during a National Day of Prayer, Christians join together, said the Rev. Grant Gillard before leading a prayer for the nation. The Rev. Billy Graham wrote the prayer to be read at gatherings nationwide.

Melissa Walters, a Jackson student, offered a prayer for revival. Walters said, to turn into the solid structure of a Christian, one must first learn to stand on solid ground. "Crush our pride and help us turn to you," she prayed.

Students, adults, families and senior citizens dotted the courthouse lawn. Some sat in lawn chairs or folding chairs, whiles others stood on the perimeter of the crowd seeking shade from the sun.

A youth drama team from Bethel Assembly of God Church in Cape Girardeau performed to the song "What America Needs" by Christian artist Carman, whose lyrics say that the answer comes from God.

The song and drama ended with three boys dressed in camouflage saluting another man dressed to resemble Christ as he raised a United States flag. The performance got a standing ovation.

The Rev. Mike Woelk prayed that Christians would be empowered as a body of Christ, not just as individuals. He asked the crowd to forget being Baptists or Methodists or Catholics but to unite as believers.