A video of the National Day of Prayer will be available to view on the Hays Post after the event.
ECMA
“It seems we have so many divisions within our country. On this one day, May 1, we will be united with millions of other believers nationwide. This symbolizes unity and hope that God will see us through.”
That’s how Terri Braun of Hays described her reasons for helping organize Ellis County’s local observance of the National Day of Prayer. The event will take place from noon to 12:50 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at the VFW, 2106 Vine in Hays.
The community is invited to the free event, which is scheduled to allow people to attend on their lunch hour.
This is the third year that Braun and Cheryl Glassman of Antonino have organized the event, which is sponsored each year by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance.
Glassman said, “Our country was created as ‘one nation under God,’ and I believe being united as one in prayer on the National Day of Prayer is important for us. So many things and ideals create division. Through prayer, we can join together, break through the division, and pray for all those who call this great nation home.”
The theme of this year’s observance is Romans 15:13 “Pour out to the God of hope and be filled.”
Emceeing the event, as he has done for several years, will be Patrick McGinnis, owner of Breathe Coffee House. Tim Schumacher will provide special music.
Then, local individuals will come forward to pray for those in specific categories. Praying for those in the government will be Nathan Leiker and Darin Myers. Praying for those in the military will be the Rev. G. Chris Prater and Scott Braun. Praying for those in the media will be Linn Ann Huntington and Donetta Robben.
Praying for those in business will be Kristina Clore and the Honorable Barb Wasinger. Praying for those in education will be students from Holy Family Elementary School and Thomas More Prep-Marian. Praying for the church will be the Rev. Jon Anderson and the Rev. Dr. Susan Murithi.
Praying for families will be the Rev. Jeremy McGuire and the Rev. Mike Bremer. Praying for caregivers will be the Rev. Jonathan E. McCottry Sr. and Karen Bieker.
The Rev. Steve Schulze will give the benediction.
Glassman said she considers helping to organize the Day of Prayer event part of her “stewardship as a Christian.” She said she likes to get new people involved each year in praying publicly for different segments of American society.
“I like to involve folks from different walks of life and the schools. Last year we had Hays High School students leading prayer and TMP students singing. This year we have young people from Holy Family, along with Principal Mandy Meagher and TMP Spanish teacher Melissa Pinkney and her students, praying for education. Melissa was a student of mine when I taught at TMP, and it is always such a blessing to see former students involved in special events such as National Day of Prayer. I am also especially excited to see new faces at the event.”
The National Day of Prayer has a long history. In 1775, in the midst of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress passed an act establishing an annual day of prayer, which was signed into law by President Harry Truman. In 1988, Congress amended that law and designated the annual observance as the first Thursday in May.
Braun, who at one time faced serious health issues, said, “In my own spiritual journey, prayer was so important to my healing and recovery. I believe that these prayers for our nation will be lifted up to God and help our country heal, as well. That is why the National Day of Prayer is so important to me, I know what the power of prayer can do.”