City of Elkins proclaims May 2 as National Day of Prayer
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ELKINS – Mayor Jerry Marco officially proclaimed May 2 as the National Day of Prayer in the City of Elkins during a ceremony at City Hall.
Marco gathered in council chambers with a host of community members from various local churches for the proclamation signing. Vicki Fowler, Cheryl Terrano, Kim Crickenberger, Roger Corder and pastor Jerry Lockett joined Marco for the ceremony,
"I feel that it's very important to have our churches involved in our community, so whenever I was asked to sign a proclamation for National Day of Prayer, I was absolutely on board with it," Marco said. "We are lucky to have so many good churches in our community that care for others and come together to make things happen. Many of them feed the homeless and help those struggling to find clothing. The list of things our churches do in our community is tremendous."
The proclamation states that throughout American history, faith in God has played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation and growth of the nation. From the earliest pilgrims to the hall of the Continental Congress, from the leadership of presidents to governors, the praise and gratitude bestowed upon the Lord has resonated through generations.
The observance of the National Day of Prayer, slated for Thursday, May 2, carries the theme "Lift Up the Word, Light Up the World," drawing inspiration from the verses in 2 Samuel 22:29-31.
In the early 1950s, evangelists called for Congress and President Harry S. Truman to proclaim a National Day of Prayer. Evangelist Billy Graham led services for approximately 20,000 on the steps of the Capitol in 1952, and later that year, Congress proclaimed a joint resolution for a National Day of Prayer. Truman proclaimed National Day of Prayer to be observed on July 4. The observance was moved to the first Thursday in May in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.
"Through prayer, may we find strength, guidance, and unity, as we navigate the challenges and triumphs that we face every day in this great nation," Marco said.
For more information, visit nationaldayofprayer.org.