Crenshaw County observes National Day of Prayer
Published 4:28 am Thursday, May 11, 2023
Citizens could be seen praying from their automobiles and even from their scooters. Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin.
On May 4, the Crenshaw County Courthouse steps served as a gathering place for citizens to join together in observance of the National Day of Prayer (NDP). Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin.
Several citizens took to their knees to pray during the May 4 observance of the National Day of Prayer held at the Crenshaw County Courthouse. Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin.
Clay Crum, pastor of First Baptist Church in Luverne, joins other local pastors from throughout the county who led the community in prayer. Photo by Haley Mitchell Godwin.
By Haley Mitchell Godwin
On May 4, 2023, the Crenshaw County Courthouse steps served as a gathering place for citizens to join together in observance of the National Day of Prayer (NDP). Led by the Director of Missions for the Alabama Crenshaw Baptist Association, Jack Anderson, the annual event was a call for reflection, prayer, and remembrance of the importance and power of prayer.
The national observance was launched in 1952 and this year’s theme was “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much” from James 5:16.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Anderson before pastor Randy Sexton of Pleasant Home Baptist Church read James 5:16, emphasizing the importance of citizens confessing sins and praying for one another, so that they might be healed. The reading set the tone for the rest of the prayers that followed.
Pastor Walter Brewer of Dozier, who served almost 25 years with the U.S. Air Force and retired as a master sergeant, led the group in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the national anthem before pastor Charlie Sankey from Rockwest Baptist Church delivered a prayer for repentance.
“Lord, we thank You for another day, another opportunity,” Sankey said. “We thank you for your son Jesus that died on Calvary and the precious blood he shed…Lord spread that blood all across this land. We need you God…We need to turn away from hatred, malice, and greed and all things that are not like You God…”
Pastor Dunford Cole with the Rutledge and Campground Methodist churches then led a prayer for righteousness, seeking to follow the path of goodness and righteousness in all aspects of life.
The next prayer was led by pastor Justin Jacobs of South Luverne Baptist Church, who prayed for the fruit of righteousness. He asked for guidance in bearing good fruit in life and for the nation to produce good outcomes in all its endeavors. Pastor Mark Perry with Mt. Zion Church followed with a prayer for the nation, asking for God’s protection and blessings on the United States.
The event continued with a prayer led by pastor Jud Flint of Faith Walk Church. He prayed for Israel, the troops, and for all Christians to have the strength to walk-in the path of righteousness.
Pastor Clay Crum with First Baptist Church of Luverne closed the ceremony with a prayer, asking for God’s blessings and guidance for everyone in attendance.
According to National Day of Prayer Task Force president, Kathy Branzell this gathering served as a reminder of the power of prayer and the impact that a united community can have, no matter the differences.
“Our humble, fervent, heartfelt, and passionate prayers put God’s abilities in action,” said Branzell. “These are the prayers that we want to pray with our eyes wide open so we don’t miss a moment of God’s heart and hands moving. Even as our words hang in the air, He is already answering, touched just as Jesus was on earth by the faith with which someone asks and believes. He takes our intercession and impacts not just the course of time, but the course of souls and the Kingdom. God uses our prayers to write the history books of tomorrow.”
For more information or resources, visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
