A tradition of prayer, community and spiritual unity will take place at noon May 1 on the southern lawn of the Jasper County Courthouse.
While citizens of Carthage, Mo., gather on the Square to participate in the National Day of Prayer, so will others in places across the United States under the theme “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled.”
Regina Shank, president of the Carthage Ministerial Alliance, said this annual event receives permission from Jasper County commissioner John Bartosh, as well as a proclamation from the Carthage Mayor. This year, newly elected Bren Flanigan has joined the event lineup.
“We’ve done this prayer event for at least 12 years or more,” Shank said, “but I think this is the first year we’ve had the mayor pray. In Deuteronomy, the Bible says, ‘one puts to fight a thousand, and two put ten thousand to fight.’ We have exponential power when we come together to pray. As a community, we are weaker when we’re not together. We need to trade our pride and being right for His righteousness – it’s worth it.”
The Day of Prayer program will include prayers and music from the following:
James Perkins with New Covenant Church, praying to abound in hope;
Jerry Davis with Faith Life Worship Center, praying for revival;
Jeremiah Johnson with Grace Pointe Assembly of God;
Derek Maneval with New Beginnings Outreach, praying for unity;
Dr. Luke Boyer with the Carthage R-9 School District;
Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser, praying for protection;
Mayor Bren Flanigan, praying for unity and cohesiveness;
U.S. military veteran Chris Pelczar, praying for the children.
Everyone is welcome to join this event.
There will be another prayer event with the Ministerial Alliance June 29 in Central Park. More details to come on the event’s Facebook page.
