5/3/07

Nat’l. Prayer Day to be celebrated with vigils at Courthouse
By Eric Goold

ERIC GOOLD/Manning Times

Ministers from around Clarendon County will conduct prayer vigils on National Prayer Day, including on the front row (left to right) Reverends George Windley, Henry McCray and Jerry Cottone, and on the back row (left to right) Reverends Michael Murdoch, Charles Smith and Mark Bishop.

The Pastors Prayer Ministry of Clarendon County and the Clarendon County Ministerial Alliance have joined forces to promote National Prayer Day.

Rev. Michael Murdoch of Grace Christian Fellowship Church said that National Prayer Day is held every year.

“It’s a nationwide day for the Christian community to come together and pray for the nation,” said Murdoch. “It’s every year on the first Thursday in May.”

Several preachers from several different congregations around Clarendon County are joining together to pray in two different vigils on Thursday, May 3.

The first will take place from noon till 1 p.m. and the second vigil will occur from 7 to 8 p.m. Both prayer vigils will be near the steps of the Manning Courthouse facing Boyce Street.

“Part of our mission statement at the Clarendon County Ministry Alliance is to join together in prayer,” said Rev. Henry McCray. “It’s important for communities to come together in Christ to help address problems that affect the nation.”

A growing number of ministers say that with so much going on in the world and at home here in Clarendon County, it’s always important to find time for prayer.

“Prayer is a most essential holy work for our religious community,” said Rev. George Windley of Ebenezer Baptist Church. “It’s about dialogue, instead of monologue. We’re seeking health and holistic healing for our homes and communities.”

The prayer vigils represent an attempt to gather Christians of all denominations in unity.

“We’re trying to make it accessible for people of all faith,” said Rev. Mark Bishop of Paxville Baptist Church. “It’s a chance for people of faith to show our unity. God’s kingdom is one kingdom. Divisions of the past are being dissolved through prayer. We encourage people to come out and show that.”

The preachers made a united stand to promote the observance of Prayer Day in Clarendon County.

“The Clarendon County Ministerial Alliance delivered this as an urgent call for the Body of Christ in the power of prayer,” said Rev. Charles Smith. “We want to show our love for Christ through this effort in this community.”

Many preachers feel an urgent need for prayer now more than ever.

“It’s about what God is doing, and what God wants us to do as He’s revealed to us in this group,” said Rev. Jerry Cottone of First Baptist Church. “It’s His time.”

The preachers said that anyone interested in sharing a moment of prayer is most welcome to attend the prayer vigils.