Local clergy offer prayers, sing hymns

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Angie Youngblood lifts her heart in song at the National Day of Prayer held at the gazebo on Court Square. (Charles W. Johnson photo)

What has become a national tradition was observed downtown Thursday as people from all walks of life assembled for the National Day of Prayer.

Clergy and laymen from numerous local churches and faiths led prayers asking the Lord’s blessing on all aspects of life. Along with prayer, hymns of praise were sung, ending with a patriotic anthem of “God Bless America.”

The local observance corresponded with the National Day of Prayer as similar events took place across the country.

Chuck Mayfiel, a retired naval officer, asked a blessing for the nation’s troops.

“We ask for peace for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Mayfiel prayed. “It is only because of you that this great thing has been accomplished.”

Jim Zlaten, senior pastor of the Living Word Fellowship, prayed for the economy, asking the Lord to heal the local economy so local citizens could find work here.

“We pray for a blessing on Warren County,” Zlaten prayed.

Phil Tollett, pastor of Centertown/Short Mountain Methodist Church, prayed for the community leaders.

“Give them understanding and wisdom and heart of compassion,” Tollett prayed. “They are there because you have appointed them to lead us.”

Jim Hunt, senior pastor of Northside Baptist Church, offered a prayer for the schools and teachers.

“We pray that prayer will be allowed back into our schools as it should be,” Hunt prayed. “We also pray for the private and Christian schools as well as those who made sacrifices to stay at home and home school their children.”

Troy Green, counselor and interim Cumberland Presbyterian pastor, prayed for families and churches.

“Our sense of community has wasted away,” Green prayed. “We ask that you heal our families and be in our churches so we build up instead of tear down.”