Locals join in front of the Sampson County Courthouse Thursday to pray on National Day of Prayer. Barriers of denominations, race, gender and age were knocked down during the hour of prayer as everyone came together to worship the one true God, stated the Rev. Willie Bowden, who led the event.
According to www.ndptf.org, “The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.”
Each year, America’s president signs a proclamation encouraging all Americans to pray on National Day of Prayer, the Rev. Willie Bowden told the crowd.
Clinton mayor Lew Starling sent a proclamation of his own to be read, urging all citizens to participate in this day.
The theme of this year’s event was “Prayer — America’s hope.” Seven areas of prayer were lifted up — the nation’s government, military, media, businesses, education, churches and families. Four minutes were dedicated to each area of prayer and the ringing of a bell signified the time to shift prayer focus.
As hands and hearts joined, musicians from Clinton Family Worship Center joined their voices and sang songs of praise to the Lord. Their first selection declared, “Lord I lift your name on high.”
The musiciains continued with the lyrics, “All our hope is in You,” and the crowd shouted “Amen” and “Thank you, Jesus.”
The cheers of the crowd continued to echo through downtown as Bowden challenged, “If you believe God’s going to answer, give some lip service to the Lord.” He reminded them, “I don’t care what you’ve done, God loves you today.”
For Bowden, the event was symbolic of oneness because “we can leave our seperate denominations and our doctrines and law and call on the one true God.” People of all walks of life were united with one purpose. Even passersby in cars and folks downtown to eat lunch or conduct business were drawn to get involved in the gathering as they paused on the street and joined the group.
Bowden continued to testify during the prayer time. “Lift Him up today because He mends our nation. We call on a God of action ... He comes to our rescue ... He blesses those who bless His name.”
The music played on and the musicians praised, “All will see how great is our God.”
Concluding the hour of prayer, coordinator Margaret Spivey expressed thanks to county and city officials for their cooperation with this event. “I’m so thankful we can meet here on Main Street in Clinton in front of the courthouse,” she commented.
Those gathered concluded by singing “God Bless America,” as they parted with that common prayer in their hearts.
Amy Kelly can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 119 or by e-mail at sigov@myclintonnc.com.
Post a Comment
