HARRELLS — The ninth annual Harrells Community National Day of Prayer had to be celebrated in the auditorium of Harrells Christian Academy Thursday due to the inclement weather, but it didn’t dampen the feeling of prayer and unity which filled the room as a number of residents, students and staff prayed together.

The Harrells community has been celebrating the National Day of Prayer since 2000 and joined with HCA three years ago. The combined service has been rewarding to everyone involved, according to event coordinator Susan Corliss-Bland.

The program began with Alice DeVane leading those gathered in a prayer for the nation, written by 2009 National Day of Prayer honorary chairwoman Beth Moore. Following this prayer, the kindergarten through fifth grade students from Harrells sang a rendition of “God Still Moves.” After a brief history of the National Day of Prayer, the students sang again prior to the prayers for government and elected officials, the military, the media, businesses, education, churches and the family. The program concluded with the students singing “The Lord’s Prayer,” with those not singing reciting it. Members of the community, school personnel and local clergy led the prayers.

Corliss-Bland said she was pleased with the turnout and felt the program was very successful. “Virgal Raymond and I came together nine years ago to get this program off the ground and now we serve as cheerleaders and organize to spur on everyone to participate in this most needed event. We both strongly believe there is power in prayer and strength in unity and this program has both. The school joined us three years ago and has just enhanced the overall program, especially the performance of the children. I was encouraged by the number that came out to participate and remind everyone to mark their calendars for the first Thursday in May for next year’s program.”

Harrells mayor Jimmy Moore, commented, “I would like to thank everyone that had a part in making this event such a success. We need this day but I feel we could use more than one day a year to prayer together for our nation.”

Harrells headmaster Dr. Ron Montgomery shared his enthusiasm for the day’s event. stating, “This is a great opportunity for the academy to reach out to the community and practice what we preach here each and every day—prayer.”

Community member and veteran Gene Sandlin was also pleased with the gathering. “I am glad to see so many come out for this National Day of Prayer. Too often we forget or do not understand the importance of prayer daily nor do we understand and honor those who gave up their lives so we can have the opportunities we have here in America. We need to have more days like this one and live our lives based on faith in Jesus Christ.”

Aaron Andrews ,another Harrells resident, said, “This was an awesome experience. I feel we should be doing this 365 days a year. God is working for us every day and we should be working for him also.

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail, sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.