Close to 200 people attended the Brownwood celebration of the 59th Annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday at the Margaret and Stuart Coleman Plaza near the Depot.
The theme for 2010 was “Prayer for Such a Time as This” which is based on the verse from Nahum 1:7 which states: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”
Members of the 111th Engineer Battalion of the Texas Army National Guard, who are deploying to Afghanistan next year, posted the colors for the service.
A lineup of local leaders and pastors led the service in prayer praying for the United States and its leaders; the military, police, firefighters, and EMS; for national spiritual growth, for churches, and for families. Reverend Ernest Kirk of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Brady sang a moving rendition of the Lord’s Prayer to top off the event. Special music was offered by the local group 4xGrace and Jill Goodwin.
Other participants in the service included Billy Murphey, Anne & Mike Daub, Pastor John Clifford, Judge Steve Ellis, Pastor Jim Looby, Pastor Jose Mares, Rev. Sterling Lentz, Chaplain Dick Williams, and Rev. Ernest Kirk.
Some of those in attendance stayed in the area after the service and continued to pray.
Part of the 2010 prayer the nation said:
“Lord, we are thankful for the abundant blessings You have bestowed on America. Our forefathers looked to You as Protector, Provider, and the Promise of hope. But we have wandered far from that firm foundation. May we repent for turning our backs on Your faithfulness.
We pray that this great nation will be restored by Your forgiveness.
From bondage, You grant freedom.
Through Your own sacrifice, You offer salvation.
From the state of despair, You offer peace.
From the bounties of Heaven, You have blessed – not because of our goodness – but by Your grace.”
Click the photo gallery below for pictures of the event.
{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=153|
limitstart=0|limitcount=1|detail=0|displayname=1|
displaydetail=1|imageshadow=shadow1}