To the Editor:
It has been said before, but I felt the need to repeat it. Only in eternity will we know the strongholds that were broken over our nation, state, county of Carroll and village of Carrollton when Christians gathered, prayed in unity and read God’s Word - the Bible, for the National Day of Prayer observance here May 7, 2009, and all across our great country.

Our Ministerial Association is to be commended for their traditional noontime prayer service, which had to be held in the First United Methodist Church this year instead of town square due to heavy rain the night before preventing the use of electrical equipment and sound system at the gazebo.

Jeri Smethers, who headed the day-long Bible reading, will reap many blessings for her dedication, along with those who volunteer readers and their commitment to send forth God’s Word.

Sandi Naugle and Bonnie Little, along with several musician friends, and a sound system controller provided the beautiful worship and praise finale during the evening concert of prayer enjoyed by a good number of people who took time out to come and be blessed.

There is simply no way to thank everyone involved: those in the Augusta, Dellroy and Carrollton schools who participated and led flag raisings, as did Mayor Dave Flanary and county commissioners and wives, and those who participated behind the scenes.

National Day of Prayer (NDP) is a legally established day to congregate on public property to pray for our national and state leaders. It evolved from the tradition first proclaimed in 1775 by the Continental Congress as America became a nation. Days of prayer and fasting continued throughout the Revolutionary until 1783 and were revived during troubled times. President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation in 1863 focused on a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer. It was followed by a joint resolution of Congress, signed by President Harry S. Truman for an annual, National Day of Prayer in 1952. The law was amended in 1988 with the signature of President Ronald Reagan permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.

With the July 4 celebration of our nation fast approaching, let us take heart remembering our “roots” and seeking God’s mercy and grace upon us.

Barbara Walton
National Day of Prayer Committee
Carrollton, OH

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