LETTERS: WEEK OF PRAYING OFFERS SOME HOPE

To the editor:

"The times are dark, the spirits of ruin are abroad in all their power, and the mercy of God alone can save us." Although it was Abraham Lincoln who spoke these words in 1862, they apply to us today as well. As our society decays spiritually and morally, we see and hear the effects clearly through daily news broadcasts and newspaper headlines. Proverbs 14:12 has certainly proven true: "There is a way that seems right to many, but in the end it leads to death." We may be tempted to ask, "Is there any hope for American?"

This year's National Day of Prayer theme is PRAY2K: America's Hope for the New Millennium. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer." -- Romans 12:12. There is hope for America, because our hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ and his mercy, forgiveness and healing power. It is not in the works of our own hands.

A very special week is quickly approaching, the week surrounding our nation's National Day of Prayer. Beginning Monday evening, May 1, through noon Thursday, May 4, more than 20 churches are working together to provide eight different prayer services in Cape and Jackson including the Mayors' Prayer Breakfast Thursday morning. These services give us the opportunity to build bridges across the gaps of denomination, tradition and culture and join our hearts to remember God's blessings, repent for our corporate and personal disobedience and return to God's commandments. I'm thankful to live in a place where so many people are hearing and responding to God's call to pray for our nation.

SHERRI MEHNER

Cape Girardeau