National Day of Prayer Observed

Who inspired faith in you? Who modeled a life of love and service? Who first taught you to pray?

Both of my parents helped shape my faith, though my mother especially did so. She read Bible stories to me and my four brothers before bed. Each night we said the same familiar prayer together: “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…”

My childhood faith has grown and matured over the years, but prayer remains as natural to me as breathing. Sometimes my prayers are simply that — breath prayers, whispered in a moment, carried on an inhale and exhale.

Like many people these days, I carry a burden for our nation. My prayers for America and the world are sometimes deep sighs, especially when words fail me. It feels as though we need prayer now more than ever — for our country, for our world, for creation, and for all humanity.

On Thursday, May 7, Jamestown will observe the National Day of Prayer with a community event hosted by Community Helping Hands in the parking lot of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street, Jamestown. Our first prayer, of course, is for clear skies — but we will gather rain or shine.

The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and promises to be a meaningful and welcoming experience for all. It will be a drop-in gathering, so you may come and go as your schedule allows and stay as long as you wish.

Rather than one person leading a large public prayer, there will be five interactive prayer stations offering creative ways to engage mind, heart, and body in communion with the God who hears us. Stations will include breath prayer, baptism remembrance, prayer through art, intercessory prayer, and anointing prayer. Area pastors and lay leaders will be present at each station to assist or guide participants.

Guests may participate as much or as little as they feel comfortable. Whether you are deeply rooted in prayer or simply curious, there will be something for everyone.

St. Susan’s will also be onsite serving a free hot dog lunch with chips and a drink, offering a chance to enjoy fellowship with neighbors and friends.

No matter your faith tradition or background, all are welcome to this annual observance held in communities across the nation. Whether you consider yourself a prayer warrior or wonder if anyone hears your prayers, come join us. Come out of curiosity. Come for lunch. Come help us lift our heads, our hands, and our hearts to the Creator who cares for all people in all places.

And with that invitation, let me close with a prayer as Mother’s Day approaches:

Thanks be to God for all the women in our lives who have nurtured us, cared for us, served, sacrificed, and loved us in ways both seen and unseen. Their gifts have shaped us and blessed us. Thanks be to God. Amen.