COMMUNITY EVENT
The National Day of Prayer will be held in Jones County again this year at Carol’s Park in downtown Gray, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. to pray for the nation and the people.
Debra Hall, the coordinator of the event, said in Gray they meet in the evening at Carol’s Park in downtown Gray behind the courthouse. She said they pray over seven major areas of society that have the greatest impact on people as individuals. She said she has someone designated to pray for all seven areas and asks people to pray along.
“This is the 72nd year of the National Day of Prayer being a law on our books in the U.S.,” she said. “It was signed into law after a long history of presidents recognizing we needed the National Day of Prayer to thank our Lord for His blessings and guidance. We were founded to be a Christian nation back in 1607.”
She said it’s important to have the National Day of Prayer in Jones County, because it brings awareness of a need to focus on those areas of the nation. She said it is a powerful thing to engage in with everyone praying together. She said it’s happening all over the U.S.
“The most powerful thing we can do is prayer. Everyone coming together at the park in the spirit of agreement is just so powerful. Everyone praying to God, who created us all, and asking Him to intervene on behalf of our nation is wonderful. We also have to ask Him for forgiveness for our nation. I hope it will encourage people to do this as a regular practice to do this in their everyday lives,” Hall said.
The coordinator said they have held the National Day of Prayer for over ten years in Jones County. She said it has grown from just a few people to an entire crowd. She wants to have even more people join in.
“People should come out to the National Day of Prayer, because they want to be a blessing, they want to do what honors God, and this is that,” she said. “This brings our churches together. We all should come together for this one reason, to honor Jesus and to do His work. This will make an impact.”
Julie King, branch manager of the Jones County Public Library, said she really likes the National Day of Prayer that is hosted every year at Carol’s Park. She said the community comes together for great things, and she believes prayer has helped the Jones County community. She said no matter who people are, it’s important to pray to God for the things He has done for everyone.
“The wonderful thing about National Day of Prayer is that it brings the entire community together. You don’t have to belong to a church. This is for everyone. If you don’t know the Lord, it’s a wonderful place to meet people to answer your questions. Just show up,” King said.
Hall said people should bring folding chairs and a bottle of water. In case of inclement weather, she said they will have the National Day of Prayer at Gray Baptist Church in their chapel. She said she is looking forward to everyone attending and praying together.
“People really enjoy this event and have been asking when we were going to have it this year. This year it is on May 4. We are doing it in the evening, so more people can attend,” Hall said. “People can get off work, grab a bite to eat, then come to Carol’s Park. It’s so peaceful during that time of prayer. They will leave relieved.”
