Miss. forges ahead with National Day of Prayer

Children’s participation, a crowd pleasure

JACKSON, Miss. – Despite legal clouds from a judge’s ruling in April that declared the National Day of Prayer (NDP) unconstitutional, special observances were held across the nation, including Mississippi.

There was not a cloud in the sky, May 6 at noon in Jackson. There was so sunlight over the Mississippi state capitol that attendees opted for seating in the shade instead of sitting directly in front of the capitol’s south steps, where the event held.

As NDP State Coordinator Debra Brown welcomed the crowd, she told them that Mississippi was built on prayer, and that it has always been a faith-based state.

State employee Neal Cherry kicked off the observance with the ringing of the bell, and the Richland High School JROTC did The Presentation of Colors. Songs of praise were performed by Jackson’s very own recording gospel artist Larissa Tate of R.O.C.K.I.N.G. Ministry.

Sen. Hillman Frazier, (D-Jackson), said while those who oppose the National Day of Prayer have the right to do so, “I think they are off base.” “The National Day of Prayer is a positive thing for our country and for individuals of faith,” Frazier said.

This year’s theme is “PRAYER: For Such A Time As This,” which was inspired by Nahum 1:7, which reads, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” Rev. Franklin Graham is NDP’s national honorary chairman.

In a released statement Graham stated, “At this perilous and uncertain juncture in our country’s history, it is critical that we remain in prayer.”

The Mississippi observance in Jackson included prayers for homes, families, the unsaved, education, the martyred and missionaries, the imprisoned, the disabled and unborn, all branches of government, the mass media, the entertainment industry, business and commerce, military, pastors, churches, ministry organizations, America, and the State of Mississippi and Isreal.

While the spiritual atmosphere of the NDP was high, the crowd was further inspired with an “outstanding” choral recitation of scripture by students of Emanuel Christian School. The students received a standing ovation. Pastor Jesse Horton of the church school remarked that they teach the students the importance of prayer. He presented the prayer for education (public, private and parochial).

Many attending the NDP observance say they were encouraged by the event. “It could not have been any better,” said Jackson resident Dorothy Winston about the program. Winston said she does not understand why anyone would want to “cut out” the National Day of Prayer. “It helps our spirits, our nation, and the world. Prayer is key.”

President Barack Obama’s administration has appealed the judge’s rule against NDP. No action, as of this posting, has been taken on the appeal.

This year marked the 59th NDP observance for the United States. On April 17, 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer must be declared by each following president at an appropriate date of his choice.