National Day of Prayer is May 1
National Day of Prayer observed nationally and locally
By Deborah Wheeler
debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com
On May 1, the annual call for citizens to spend a day in prayer will be observed across the nation.
The wheels promoting the observance were set in motion locally on April 11 when local organizers met at DeFuniak Springs City Hall to commemorate Mayor Carpenter's signing of his city's National Day of Prayer Proclamation for 2008.
One of those organizers, Shayne Betts, said between 800 to 1,000 people are expected to participate in the observance Thursday evening. Those who attend will form a circle around Lake DeFuniak and join hands in a prayer and plea for healing for the country, state, county, city, schools, homes and leaders. The event is called "Stand in the Gap II." It is based on scripture from II Chronicles 7:14. Sign in for the event will begin at 5:30 p.m., and prayer will start at the stroke of the bell at 6 p.m. sharp, rain or shine.
However, the Lakeyard event won't be the only local observance. Several more are scheduled throughout the day in the county. See box for schedule.
Organizers of the National Day of Prayer believe the first call to prayer for the nation was in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation.
President Lincoln later issued a proclamation of a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer in 1863.
In 1952 a joint resolution by Congress signed by President Truman declared an annual National Day of Prayer.
In 1988 the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.
Each year, the president again signs a proclamation encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.
Last year all 50 state governors plus the governors of several United States territories signed similar proclamations.
For more information about the National Day of Prayer, visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
Area observances of the National Day of Prayer
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Seagrove Baptist Church
4915 E. County Road 30A
Seagrove Beach
Drop in and pray
(850) 231-2884
9 - 10 a.m.
Good News United Methodist Church
4747 U.S. Highway 98W
Santa Rosa Beach
Breakfast and prayer for our nation, church and world
RSVP (850) 622-9191
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Gulf Beach Baptist Church
10620 Hutchison Boulevard
Panama City Beach
Area pastors, Christian artists, and elected officials praying, speaking, singing.
(850) 234-8892
Noon - 12:45 p.m.
Shalimar United Methodist Church
1 Old Ferry Road
Shalimar
Praying and singing
(850) 651-0721
Noon - 1 p.m.
City Hall at the beach
110 S. Arnold Road, Highway 79
Panama City Beach
Local ministers, elected officials, military chaplain, guest musicians praying, speaking, singing
For more information: Michey Lysack, (850) 230-8944
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
DeFuniak Springs Lakeyard
Main Avenue and Circle Drive
Annual Lakeyard prayer
Form a circle around the lake and pray
For more information: Barrett or Maria Glover, (850) 859-2857
