National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer

Grace Phillips

The Ashland Beacon

Since the early days of our country, the leaders recognized the power of prayer and the need for everyone to join as one. Our country was founded on faith and Christian principles. The beginnings of a nationwide call to prayer can be traced all the way back to the Continental Congress, when the founding fathers asked the colonists to pray for wisdom as they formed the new nation.

Other leaders called for days of prayer and fasting, but nothing was consistent until 1952. In response to the impending Korean War, the Reverend Billy Graham stated, "What a thrilling, glorious thing it would be to see the leaders of our country today kneeling before Almighty God in prayer. What a thrill would sweep this country. What renewed hope and courage would grip the Americans at this hour of peril." Shortly after, Congress unanimously drafted a resolution, and it was signed into law by President Harry Truman, that each president would declare a National Day of Prayer on a day of their choosing. In 1988, the law was amended to establish the first Thursday in May as a nationwide day of prayer each year.

This year, there are a number of opportunities in our area to participate in one of the events observing a time of prayer and reflection. The theme for this year’s events is based on Romans 15:13: “Pour out to the God of Hope and be filled.” You are invited to join a gathering at 6 p.m. on May 1st at Ashland’s Central Park Bandstand for a time of worship and prayer.

Micah Horton, the event coordinator, has a wonderful program planned for the evening. Dirk Hay will welcome everyone and share the theme scripture for this year from Romans: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” The invocation will be offered by Reverend Bobby Brewer. Sophie Evans, a student at Ashland Paul Blazer, will sing the National Anthem. Sophie is a member of the Chamber Choir at Ashland, has attended four years of All-State Choir, and is a member of the Rose Hill Student Ministry. The opening ceremonies of the evening will be followed by an exciting lineup of speakers.

The first speaker for the evening will be Father Marc Bentley of Saint John and Elizabeth Catholic Church in Grayson, followed by Alexandra Presta and Zoe Gabbard. These young ladies were present during the spontaneous revival on the campus of Asbury University in February 2023. That revival lasted for sixteen days. They will share their thoughts and experiences from that time, and how it has changed their lives. The final speaker for the evening will be Pastor Jason Plummer of New Life Baptist Church in Russell.

Horton shared, “Prayer knows NO boundaries, NO political parties, NO specific denomination of church, and NO cultural group.” This echoes the statement by National Day of Prayer emeritus Shirley Dobson, found on nationaldayofprayer.org: “The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans. It is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens from all backgrounds.” Horton encourages everyone to bring a chair, your prayer requests, and end your day in prayer for the leaders of our country, states, and cities.

There is also a National Day of Prayer event scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning at the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center at 1620 Winchester Ave. Reverend Dr. Scott Hill of UK King's Daughters will open the event. Singing the National Anthem will be Holly Forbes, with a time of worship led by the Yates Family. For information on this event, you can email DG_PastoralCare@kdmc.kdhs.us or call 606.408.1745.

For additional information about the Central Park prayer event, call Micah Horton at 606.232.0920.