National Day of Prayer event planned

In Sandpoint and in tens of thousands of other communities, prayer events are planned across the country on Thursday, May 2, in honor of the 67th annual National Day of Prayer. In churches, parks and on the courthouse steps, citizens will be praying for the nation, government leaders, media, military, schools, churches, business and families.

Many Sandpoint area churches are participating in the National Day of Prayer and the community-wide event will begin at 11:30 a.m. with music and the National Day of Prayer observance will begin at noon in Farmin Park. This will include an introduction by area pastors, music, the Armed Forces Color Guard, and prayer for our state and nation. It is a great time of unity among the churches.

This year, organizers said they will continue its Adopt-a-Cop program, where residents are asked to “adopt a cop” and pray for them regularly.

“We want to show our extreme gratitude to our law enforcement for the work they do to keep us safe every day,” organizer Janine Shepard said. “If you are in law enforcement or know anyone who is, please invite them to this event so we can pray and bless them. There will be an opportunity to sign up to pray for them at the event”

At this crucial time for the nation, Shepard said the country can do nothing more important than pray. “Thank you in advance for making this spiritual discipline a personal priority and for standing with us as we encourage others to incorporate prayer in their lives. The Lord has graciously anointed our efforts, empowering them to touch and change many hearts and lives,” she said.

The theme for the 2019 National Day of Prayer is Love One Another, which comes from the words of Jesus in John 13:34, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you.”

Recognizing that prayer has been and continues to be an integral part of our nation’s history, Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952. This observance is currently held the first Thursday each May when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publically to worship and pray for our land.

Information: Pray7B.org