Day of Prayer offerings for troops, youth

Citizens of Caldwell County joined their neighbors near and far Thursday, asking God to help them spread messages of hope and love during the National Day of Prayer.

There were prayers for the soldiers overseas and the governmental officials who lead the country and their respective communities. There also were prayers for the media and the educators and administrators who help guide today's youth to success. But most of all, church and area leaders asked people to open their arms and love one another.

“The Lord teaches me to show others compassion so that I may share that with those around me,” said the Rev. Phil Case, of Calico Community Chapel. “We need to combat selfishness with love and thank God everyday for the responsibilities he has given us.”

Case said mothers, fathers, husbands and wives need to remember that they stood before God when they made the commitment to love one another. He said now is the time for people to remember that family is the foundation of society, and the only way to combat selfishness is with love.

The Rev. Raymond Spann, of Grandview Park Baptist Church, said he is grateful for each day that he can walk outside and openly share his love for God with others. He said churches are not confined to four walls. The success of the church is most celebrated, Spann said, when its people are out telling others what the Lord has done for them.

“The Lord is my Savior,” Spann said. “I haven't ever gotten over that, and I hope I never will. I know the Lord can help others because he saved a wretch like me.”

This year's theme was “Prayer! America's Strength & Shield,” and it is taken from scripture in Psalm 28:7, which reads, “The Lord is my strength and shield: my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.”

There were five prayer services throughout the county in Gamewell, Granite Falls, Hudson and Lenoir, and many more nationwide.

“We serve a sovereign God who is wise beyond our comprehension,” said the Rev. Renee Easter, of Gamewell United Methodist Church. “We pray today to you God that you will let us be your hands and advocate for our children.”

Easter said that God gave people the precious gift of learning. From preschoolers to graduate students and beyond, Easter said that people always are learning. She said teachers often are the role models for today's children because they have a great influence. Therefore, Easter said people need to pray for the teachers so that they may give students the clarity they need to be successful.

During Gamewell's ceremony, the Rev. Lester Honson opened the floor to allow those in attendance to express their emotions aloud. There were prayers of hope and praises of thanks. One man asked God to take “us out of our wickedness” and asked that He give people the strength to be “a lighthouse in the dark area.”

“Our plea to you today, oh God, is for your help,” one crowd member said. “Only you can fix what is broken.”

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