Day of prayers for all

By Camille McClanahan

May 01, 2008 11:52 pm

— The local National Day of Prayer ceremony was held Thursday on the south side steps of the Navarro County Courthouse.
National Day of Prayer takes place each year on the first Thursday in May. The annual observance was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, according to the National Day of Prayer Web site. This year marked the 57th annual ceremony held nationwide. This year’s theme was “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield.”
Locally, Dan Layne was instrumental in organizing the day which began with a breakfast at 6:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. various churches throughout the community participated in a prayer walk around the courthouse. Churches volunteered to pray in 30-minute intervals for the country and its leaders from the local to national level.
The Navarro County Dream Center provided refreshments for those participating in the prayer walk.
A special community prayer service began at 12:15 p.m. on the courtroom steps with a welcome given by Bo Loftis, president of the Corsicana Ministerial Alliance.
The presentation of colors was given by the National Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Loftis.
A scripture reading of Psalm 28:7 was read by Gary Johnson followed by prayer for national, state, county and city officials given by David Edwards, Dairy Johnson, H.M. Davenport and Ruby Williams.
Sharon Leopard then sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” a cappella which brought enthusiastic applause.
The Lord’s Prayer was led by Ronny Willis, followed by a bilingual benediction by Noe Garcia.
“In Corsicana, walls are being broken down — physical, spiritual and soulish walls are being broken down,” Loftis said.
Johnson, president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, echoed Loftis’ sentiment. “Boundaries of walls are being broken with events like this when the community can come together. We are fortunate to gather in Corsicana to pray for our leaders,” Johnson said.
Next year’s event is scheduled for May 7.
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Camille McClanahan may be reached via e-mail at camille@corsicanadailysun.com.

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