Attendees stand for the posting of colors at the 2017 National Day of Prayer. Courtesy photo
Members of the VFW post the colors during last year’s National Day of Prayer. Courtesy photo
COMMUNITY News:
Local Bible-based believers in Jesus Christ will gather for prayer and worship on the annual National Day of Prayer 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 3 at the Ashley Pond Pavilion.
This year marks the 67th observance of the National Day of Prayer in the nation and the 52nd year that a Presidential Proclamation is signed for the National Day of Prayer. This year’s president of the National Day of Prayer is Ronnie Floyd, who also is president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
The theme in 2018 is “Unity!” and is based on Ephesians 4:3 that states, “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Each year, Christians have gathered across the country to pray for the nation’s federal, state and local governments, schools, businesses, media, military, churches and families.
The purpose is to mobilize prayer, personal repentance and righteousness in culture. The National Day of Prayer is the Church’s opportunity “to pray together in unity to our Creator God for our United States of America.”
“Whatever the minor differences between our various denominations, our unity is far greater because it is based upon the saving grace we find at the cross of Jesus Christ. Our reconciliation with God through the forgiveness of sin is what makes us family,” said Pastor Pat Kestell of Calvary Chapel in Los Alamos, who will take part in the National Day of Prayer event.
The Los Alamos National Day of Prayer committee invites people from the local business community, medical center, fire and police departments, County government, Los Alamos National Laboratory, public schools, military, family services and media to be recognized for their service and to receive prayer.
The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a time of worship and music lead by Lanessa Amburgey and the New Beginnings Worship Team. Kestell will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Pastors from several local Bible-based churches will facilitate small prayer groups. Commander Roger Anaya and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will present the colors. Local businessman Abe Dispennette is underwriting the cost of the insurance for the event.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at First United Methodist Church.
An Encouragement Card Campaign will make business cards available with contact information of our local, state or federal officials. Attendees can send a card of encouragement and commit to pray for the official for the year.
Additional information about National Day of Prayer can be found at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
