Day of prayer honors soldiers, children

Sat, May 17 2008

— By Debby Schamber
The Orange Leader

About 50 people gathered just before noon Thursday near the steps of the Orange County Courthouse to participate in the National Day of Prayer.
“Today we come to pray,” said Barry Bradley, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Orange. “However, there is nothing that prevents us from praying everyday.”
The 57th annual National Day of Prayer’s theme this year is, “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield,” and is based on the Bible verse Psalm 28:7 which reads, “The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.”
Here at home, a prayer was lead for soldiers serving the country. Prayers were also extended for children and those who work with them, including teachers and Child Protective Service workers.
Carl Thibodeaux, Orange County Judge, also addressed attendees in the crowd. “It (praying) has never been as important as it is today,” he said.
Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Taskforce, said “this is a critical time to be in prayer for America. The biblical principals upon which our country was founded are coming under attack in every segment of society. Yet despite this troubling trend, we can take heart in the knowledge God hears and responds to the earnest cries of the people.”
Dobson added the Psalm verse which inspired this year’s theme is a, “comforting reminder that God is indeed the source of all power, guidance and protection.”
The National Day of Prayer is a day designated by the U.S. Congress as a day when all Americans — regardless of faith — are asked to come together and pray in their own way. The annual event is held on the first Thursday in May.
There were several national days of prayer before the day became official in 1952. The Continental Congress issued a day of prayer to designate “a time for prayer in forming a new nation.”
However, it was President Harry S. Truman who signed a bill proclaiming the day into law. In 1972 the National Day of Prayer Committee was formed with the intention of coordinating the events for the event.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill into law decreeing the day to be held on the first Thursday of May.
The intention of the National Day of Prayer has always been a day when members of all faiths could come together and pray.

Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2613, or dschamber@orangeleader.com

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