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Set noon today on The Square
The Wilkes Ministers United is planning an observance for the county and encourages all citizens to come together in a spirit of prayer for our country and its leaders. Special focus will be on our local government and local leaders as well as our troops serving at home and abroad. In 1988 the United States Congress set aside the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. The purpose of the Day is to promote an awareness of prayer, not only on the first Thursday in May, but on a daily basis. It is a significant occasion when Americans lay aside cultural, racial and denominational differences and join hearts in acknowledging God. As a nation, the citizens come together to humble themselves and turn to God on behalf of our country, knowing that it is in God that we trust, not ourselves. "It is through our prayers that we rely on Him to face the many issues that have no other answers aside from His intervention," says Laura Toburen, chairman of the Wilkes County event. Jim Cymbala, pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle, says, "As Moses explained in Deuteronomy 4:7, God draws near with blessings and power when His people pray. Faced with the daunting task of overcoming more powerful enemy forces, Israel had to pray. Only the Lord's help could avert defeat, and His assistance was contingent upon sincere, faith-filled prayer," he continued. This principle was basic for the Hebrew nation. The high moments in Israel's history were typically related to God's response to their prayers. Likewise, the nation's decline was connected to their refusal to seek His directions. A careful reading of 2000 years of religious history reveals identical patterns for the church. Prayer precedes revival and expansion, while the lack of prayer hinders the kingdom of God on earth," Cymbala concluded. In case of rain the service will be held at the First United Methodist Church on the corner of Spring and Liberty streets. |
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