Brownwood News – Thursday marked the 66th Annual National Day of Prayer with a gathering held at the Pat Coursey Park in downtown Brownwood at 12:15 p.m. Attendance was low compared to the previous year, but 33 individuals were present, a number that is symbolic to the Christian faith. The group came together to pray for the nation, Brown County, the City of Brownwood, and for local, state, and national leaders.
“All around the country, there are millions of people doing the exact same thing we’re doing now, which is to pray for our city, our state, our country and our leaders,” said Pastor Rick Phelps as the ceremony commenced.
Cathy Roberts offered the opening prayer, extolling “What an honor and privilege it is for us to come together as one people, one nation under God.”
As Phelps went on to introduce Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes, he noted, “Not a lot of communities have the blessing we have in Brownwood. We have a mayor who is a believer, and he loves his God, and he is guided by God when he makes decisions.”
The mayor asked for blessings for Brownwood and Brown County, praying for citizens to be fed, clothed, and provided with shelter.
“May we not strive to have more than we need,” he prayed. “May we be more about you.” He also asked for wisdom for the city government.
Pastor Stan Roberts was also invited to offer a prayer.
“We’re supposed to lift up our leaders in prayer, not to destroy them, but to lift them up,” Roberts said as he began his prayer, citing 1 Timothy 2:2, which commands that Christians are to pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Roberts prayed for the nation, with hope that those elected would work for the nation, and for the people. “We pray that their hearts are turned for the good of our country and for our people.”
Pastor Frankie Valencia was the last to offer a prayer during the ceremony.
“God we thank you for your goodness in our lives, and we honor you today,” he prayed. “God we thank you that as we are in agreement with others in our nation, that you hear our prayers. We thank you that your son Jesus has done what He has done.”
Several citizens remained after the service and prayed in small groups.
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. Since its inception, this day has continually united Americans from all socio-economic, political, and ethnic backgrounds in prayer while also encouraging personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.
The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans and is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens to celebrate our most beloved freedom; the freedom to humbly come before God and seek His guidance in prayer, organizers explain.
The theme for 2017 was “For Your Great Namesake,” inspired by Daniel 9:19, according to the National Day of Prayer website. The scripture reads: “Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”
