2015 National Day Of Prayer
“Lord, Hear Our Cry” was the theme for the 2015 National Day of Prayer held on May 7 at the Four Freedoms Monument in Evansville. Over 100 gathered in faith, song, and community spirit.
Recently retired friends Barbara Ledford (Emmanual Lutheran Church), Karen Williams (St. Anthony of Padua Parish) and Linda Young (Christian Fellowship Church) attended for the first time. After the program, Williams said she was impressed by the number of clergy who participated, and how wonderful it was to experience the diversity. She plans to attend the National Day of Prayer again. “It should be that, when you leave a service like this,” she said, “you go out and practice your faith.”
Joy Scott attended with her daughter, Noelle McDowell, and her six grandchildren – all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. “We are glad this is an annual event here in Evansville,” Scott said, “and although we pray all year, we are happy to join forces in prayer once a year.” Scott has lived in different parts of the country and prefers the Evansville National Day of Prayer to others she has attended.
Mater Dei High School Singers opened the service in song. After Bishop Charles C. Thompson welcomed everyone and thanked fellow ministers for coming together in prayer, Mayor Lloyd Winnecke expressed his gratitude for Evansville’s great-and-strong community of faith, which was beautifully demonstrated during the observance by an outpouring of prayers:
Ken Olson of the Evansville Fire Department prayed for protection of first responders and all those in uniform.
Rabbi Gary Mazo, Temple AdathB’Nai Israel, Evansville prayed for peace and harmony for the city and community.
Mary Lee McManus, from the Buddhist tradition, reflected on how the Buddhist way of living is based on peace, equality and unity.
Rev. Dr. Todd A. Gile, Trinity United Methodist Church, Evansville, spoke about inward holiness and outward response.
Rev. F.P. Miller, Ebeneezer Baptist Church, Evansville asked for blessings on all who had gathered.
Imam Omar Atia, Evansville Area Islamic Society, asked for prayers for those seeking God.
Rev. Phil Hoy, United Church of Christ, retired Pastor, reflected on living in a nation where we can live peacefully, surrounded by pillars of freedom.
Mr. Tom Moor, Unitarian Universalist Church, Evansville, asked those in attendance to think about what is in their hearts – where their treasure is, which is where their hearts should be.
Abraham Brown, of Henderson, Ky., an active member of the greater Evansville Latino community, prayed in Spanish – asking for God’s help to embrace the gift of diversity.
Rev. Surendra Mishra, Tri-State Hindu Society, chanted an ancient Hindu prayer.
Steven Jed Stanfill, President of the Evansville Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, prayed about the spirit and faith we share as a community.
Bishop Thompson offered the prayer created for the National Day of Prayer by Franklin Graham, which included, “Pray that as a nation we would return to God. As we call on God, let us do so by genuine faith, believing that He hears our prayers. God can heal this great land, for which our forefathers fought and died. We need spiritual renewal, we need a revival in America, and we need each and everyone to pray. Lord, Hear Our Cry!”
Bishop Thompson expressed his appreciation for Bishop-emeritus Gerald A. Gettlefinger and others who made this gathering “one family of God. As we leave today,” he added, “let us remember that Pope Francis calls on the joy of the gospel, and how we can attract people to faith by our witness and sense of joy. Whatever burdens we carry, our faith is that God prevails.”
Following the program, many of the attendees added their signatures to the official proclamation Mayor Winnicke read, which designated May 7, 2015, as National Day of Prayer in Evansville.
IN THE PHOTO
Bishop Charles C. Thompson, left, listens to a prayer May 7 during the Inter Faith Observance of the National Day of Prayer, which took place at the Four Freedoms Monument along the Evansville river front. Standing with him are Steven J. Stanfill, second from left, president of the Evansville Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Imam Omar Atia of the Evansville Area Islamic Society; Rev. Dr. Todd A. Gile of Trinity United Methodist Church in Evansville; and Tom Moor of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Evansville.
