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NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Bringing people together to praise God
The City Prayer Team planned morning, midday and evening events focusing on prayer.
YOUNGSTOWN — Today, the National Day of Prayer, the City Prayer Team of Youngstown has provided three opportunities for people to devote time to prayer in a public way.
Linda Daniels of the prayer team said the organization decided to offer three events to accommodate work and school schedules. “We want people to realize that prayer is key in their lives,” she said.
She also pointed out that the evening program, a production coordinated by Kenneth Brown of Youngstown, will be geared to youths. The program will be at 6 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W. Front St. Not only will the play focus on the national theme of “Prayer — America’s Strength and Shield,” but it will be an opportunity for young people to meet in fellowship.
“It’s not a production with a plot. But it’s showing positive things ... the talent that God has given them,” said Brown, a drama teacher at Legacy Academy.
The program, which will revolve around praying in different ways, will feature a tap dance to Scripture, hip-hop to gospel, ball handlers with a praise song, a bell choir, mime group and singers.
Brown, who said he was approached by the City Prayer Team to put something together, said the youths he recruited to participate were excited about the prospect.
“Young people know themselves that they’re doing more than what’s being reported on the negative side,” he said.
The production will showcase the youths’ talents, which they are using to praise God.
This morning, Pastor Mark Geppart, an international missionary, addressed a prayer gathering at Fifth Avenue Community Church, 1361 Fifth Ave.
Pastor Tarone Claybrook, executive director of Heart Reach Ministries, 211 Redondo Road, will be the keynote speaker at an observance from noon to 1 p.m. at the corner of Market and West Federal streets.
He said this year’s National Day of Prayer is based on Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”
Claybrook said his message will focus on how prayer proclaims and praises God.
“Those worried about their kids, themselves, their job, the city are looking for answers ... and what is the answer?” he asked. “It’s proclaiming trust in God.”
God is the provider, Claybrook said.
Claybrook, who came to Heart Reach Ministries five years ago from Los Angeles, said he also will touch on the positive elements of the city.
“Change is reachable with the right planning,” he said, though he acknowledged some people are mired in what was. “For some, there’s still a beat-up attitude from the 1970s. They don’t appreciate what is right in front of them,” Claybrook said.
Area assets such as Mill Creek Park, Youngstown State University, Butler Institute of American Art, improvements to downtown and roads are some of the good things Claybrook mentioned.
“Prayers are being manifested,” he said, pointing out positive things such as evolving businesses and a more vibrant downtown. “People don’t see this ... but they should be giving praise for God’s provisions.”
Claybrook said a National Day of Prayer centers people on prayer. But prayer, he said, is something people should be doing daily.
“People pray when adversity — like 9/11 — hits,” he said. “But praying daily is a way of reminding yourself what is going on and what you have.”