Saturday, April 29, 2006
The day was officially established in 1952 by Congress.
Three events are planned Thursday in the area in observance of National Day of Prayer. This year's theme is "America, Honor God" and is based on 1 Samuel 2:30: "Those who honor me, I will honor ... ."
The Baptist Pastors Council of Youngstown and Vicinity, Greater Youngstown Community of Christians and Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance will sponsor a gathering at noon on the steps of the Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Building, 100 E. Commerce St. (corner of Commerce and Wick) in Youngstown. The 45-minute service will focus on prayers for our world, our nation, our community and ourselves.
New Bedford Presbyterian Church, Marr Road, New Bedford, Pa., will host a service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Doug Runyan will speak. A light lunch will follow. There is no fee but reservations are requested by calling (724) 964-8055
Heartland Christian School, 28 Pittsburgh St., Columbiana, will have a prayer service from 8 to 8:45 a.m. in the auditorium, featuring a special selection by the Heartland Choir. The event will begin with free doughnuts and coffee at 7:30.
At national event
The Rev. Dr. Henry Blackaby, an author and pastor, is the 2006 honorary chairman and will address the national event in Washington, D.C. In addition to his appearance at the national observance, Dr. Blackaby has released "Experiencing Prayer with Jesus," which is this year's theme book. Grammy-award winning artist Rebecca St. James will sing the theme song, "America, Honor God."
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the U.S. when the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer in 1775. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.