LETTERS: JOIN COMMUNITY IN DAYS OF PRAYER

To the editor:

The annual National Day of Prayer on May 6 is quickly approaching. This year, the response from the Christian community in the Cape Girardeau-Jackson area has been outstanding. Six different prayer events are being planned for the first week in May.

The 1999 theme, taken from Matthew 5:14, is "Light the Nation ... With Prayer." As Christians, we are to be light in our world, and the evidence of the darkness that surrounds us is so clear. The moral decline of our society from the grass-roots level to the highest leadership position in our land, the increase in senseless violence and the disregard for life of both the young and the weak are reasons to pray, just to name a few. We are out of control, and we need to return to the basic limits that God has set before us if we are to live quite and peaceful lives.

Gods love is unconditional, but his blessings are conditional. If we refuse to acknowledge and obey him, we will experience his judgment. I believe the future of America depends on this decision. Will we repent and return to God, or will we continue to do what seems right in our own eyes.

The National Day of Prayer provides an opportunity to cross denominational barriers and unite in prayer for our nation. Please attend the community services and pray for family issues at LaCroix United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. May 3, for our community at New Life World Outreach at 7 p.m. May 4, the areawide Youth Prayer Service at 7 p.m. May 5, the Mayors' Prayer Breakfast at 6:45 a.m. May 6 or the noon services May 6 at the Cape Girardeau City Hall or the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson.

Thank you, community leaders, pastors, youth leaders and many others for working together to provide these services.

SHERRI MEHNER

Cape Girardeau