National Day of Prayer rallies community in prayer
By Toni Miles
Targeted prayer for the family, church, military and education was offered up at this year’s rally. (Photo credit: Toni Miles )
Dozens of people took time out of their busy schedules on Thursday, May 7, to join forces at Long Beach City Hall for the City’s annual National Day of Prayer Rally, which was themed “Glorify God Among the Nations.” The verse for this year’s nation-wide event is found in I Chronicles 16:24: “Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples,” and people from all walks of life and local churches took to the podium to lead the group in targeted prayers.
Long Beach Mayor Tim Pierce opened the rally, welcoming those in attendance and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Long Beach Fire Chief Griff Skellie then offered an opening prayer, followed by a riveting live performance by members of the Long Beach High School Choir, who sang a gospel song a cappella.
Members of the Long Beach High School Choir performed a gospel song during the opening of the prayer rally. (Photo credit: Toni Miles)
Rev. Ben Barlow with First United Methodist Church of Long Beach opened the first group prayer which focused on the family. Rev. Barlow began the prayer with: “We thank You for the gift of the family…a place of belonging and safety…” He then prayed for broken families in the area, lifting them up in prayer.
Rev. Matthew Gaddy with First Baptist Church of Long Beach led the prayer for the Church. (Photo credit: Toni Miles)
Rev. Matthew Gaddy with First Baptist Church of Long Beach followed with a prayer for the Church. “Your Word says Christ Jesus Himself is the cornerstone…so we ask You to build your Church among us…” Rev. Gaddy prayed.
Deacon Jerry Dubuisson with St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church led the prayer for the military at the rally. (Photo credit: Toni Miles)
Deacon Jerry Dubuisson with St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church then led a prayer for the military, praying, in part: “We pray for all those men and women who make up the fighting force. We owe them a great debt…” Deacon Dubuisson proclaimed.
Rev. Barbara Hunter with Grace Lutheran Church of Long Beach led the group prayer for Education. (Photo credit: Toni Miles)
The final group prayer, which was for education, was led by Rev. Barbara Hunter with Grace Lutheran Church in Long Beach who prayed, in part: “We pray our schools will have the resources and support they need and that all our schools will be protected from evil and all harm.”
The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress to be held on the first Thursday in May each year, when people are asked to “turn to God in prayer and meditation.”
The City of Long Beach, along with numerous neighboring cities, host a local prayer rally during each year’s National Day of Prayer.
