Christians of all denominations gathered at First Baptist Blairsville on May 1 to observe the 74th Annual National Day of Prayer. Ultimately, the local event lived up to the national theme of “(Pouring) Out to the God of Hope,” with multiple prayers over different facets of life and country.
Returning for introductions this year was organizer Pam Schroeder, who will be stepping down from her position. At her side was Jim Yohe, who will be taking the reins when it comes to general management, and he organized the presence of the program’s ushers, Joshua’s Warriors.
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“If you were here last year, you may remember that Jack, my husband, was not feeling well, and he found a seat with some friends out in the congregation. This year, on April 22, he found a seat with our Heavenly Father,” said Schroeder, revealing her reason for passing the mantle to Yohe.
Next, Dr. Al Haywood of Pathway Christian Counseling performed a truly powerful rendition of the Lord’s Prayer in song, and First Baptist’s Minister of Music, Ed Lawrie, led everyone gathered in singing Phil Wickham’s “Living Hope.”
New Union Baptist Pastor Justin Jarrett led the Prayer of Thanksgiving, focusing on the things in life that are not promised and are outside of simple human control – living to see another day, for one, or the subtle ways in which God blesses people every day who may be overlooked.
A moment of silence followed for the service itself so that attendees could send their wishes for a truly helpful and hopeful program to the Lord.
Coosa Methodist Pastor Bill Burch handled the Prayer for Church, which lifted up the very worship of Jesus Christ through the ages and honored not just the ones who currently teach the Gospel, but also those who came before.
Coming from the First Baptist Church of Andrews, North Carolina, was Pastor Calvin Bobo, a former missionary to Ukraine who ministered the Prayer for World Missions. Calling on the Bible’s instructions to love thy neighbor on local and international levels, Bobo’s hope was for Christians to stand up and share the Gospel freely to reach those who truly need it.
The pastor of Blairsville’s own First Baptist, Ricky Powell, presided over the Prayer for Israel and the Middle East. Powell prayed for security over the holy city of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel at large. That desire for peace extended to the entirety of the Middle East, or “wherever war may rage,” including over innocent Palestinians not involved with Hamas in Gaza.
Haywood returned to the podium for the Prayer for Family. Citing his work in counseling, Haywood asked God to bring peace to struggling families, allowing fathers to act as spiritual guides to their families, mothers to stand strong while acting with tenderness, and children to grow up in households that provide positive influence to bring them closer to God.
Similarly, Youth and Young Adults Pastor Andrew Rogers of Hiawassee’s McConnell Memorial Baptist Church offered up the Prayer for Youth.
Although he recognized that the younger generations may seem difficult to reach, he has seen firsthand that they have great potential and a willingness to follow God’s path for their lives. Further, Rogers prayed for the Lord’s support of people who care for and shape the world’s young minds.
Before continuing in prayer, Ben Goza and Ryleigh and Katelyn Elver took to the stage to perform Passion’s “Fall Like Rain.” Goza’s piano-playing and the Elvers’ singing drew measured, appreciative nods at their talent and the peace-affirming message their song shared.
While Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce President Steve Rowe gently teased that it was a bit intimidating to follow the messages of ministers that evening, he nonetheless inspired hope with his Prayer for Business.
Focusing on the community and those who support it, Rowe prayed for the Lord’s guidance for business owners and a hope that He would resolve the issues that prevent people who want to work from pursuing stable careers.
A newcomer to First Baptist’s National Day of Prayer, Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw was invited to share the Prayer for Government.
Before praying, Bradshaw read aloud what the Bible said good leadership looked like, choosing passages that say authorities should practice an abundance of godliness and dignity, as “wicked government can lead to societal decay.” The prayer itself called for wise council and God’s presence among government leaders not just on a local level, but across the country and around the world.
For the Prayer for Military, Air Force veteran and retired Master Sgt. Ingrid Engle bid those who serve the country to hand their souls to God and trust in the Lord’s unconditional love. On a more personal level, she was thankful that the community is so accommodating to veterans, calling herself “blessed.”
As the Chair of the Appalachian Christian Leadership Council, Jeff Langley delivered the Prayer for Education over public school teachers, homeschooling parents and guardians, and anyone helping children grow through scripture.
Speaking of scripture, Langley noted that the Bible urges older generations to take the initiative to mentor and nurture the young; he hopes to see more people adopt that approach today.
Dave Wesche, retired pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church, shaped the Prayer for Media into a stirring cry for truth. Jesus, too, stands for truth and instructs His followers to spread the truth of the world as well as the truth of the Gospel.
To close the service, Lawrie once again led the congregation in song, encouraging them to display their love for Christ through “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” a poem penned by William Ralph Featherston and put to song. It was a powerful moment, with people lifting their palms toward Heaven to testify.
After the service concluded, Schroeder divulged that she was confident Jack would have been proud of this year’s National Day of Prayer service, but more importantly, she agreed that the Lord was present and worked through His followers that night.
