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ZEBULON - The National Day of Prayer has been celebrated for many years here in Pike County. It is always a rain or shine celebration at noon on the square in Zebulon. There was also a second celebration held at 6:45 p.m. at Christ Chapel Community Church. The celebration was organized by Prayer Power of Georgia, Inc.
Each year, pastors from community churches came together to pray for our community, state and nation. They also pray for our local, state, and national leaders as well as our military personnel and their families. There were over 75 people present at the observance this year.
This year, Gene Warren presented the music for the afternoon service and the Praise Team from Christ Chapel Church presented the music in the evening service.
This year's National Day of Prayer theme is based on Psalm 33:12: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord". It is the 61st annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Click here to find out more about this national event.
Some of the notable thoughts from this service include the following quotes. Commander Bill Payton, Sr. of American Legion Pike Post 197 noted that there is no comma between "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance before he led the participants in the Pledge at the beginning of the service. Minister Ken Carter preached to the crowd about being in submission to those who are in authority over us for the Lord's sake so we can share the gospel. "...Submit to their authority and pray for their salvation," he said.
Bill Stembridge spoke on the behalf of Senator Saxby Chambliss again this year. Senator Chambliss was over in Afghanistan on this day. "I am thankful to be able to celebrate the freedom and blessings we have received from our Lord," wrote Senator Chambliss. He also gave thanks for the men and women who serve in our military and sacrifice so much so we can live in "a great and free country".
Rev. John Blackman from Meansville Baptist Church said began by saying that the national debt was $15,617,358,530,370 an hour before the observance and that many feel that there is no hope but added that there is good news. "Our personal sin debt is greater than the debt of the United States and it is already paid!" He said that we will never have a savior on Capitol Hill because our Savior is Jesus Christ and emphasized submission to authority while pointing out that God is the king over all.
Gene Warren sang several songs including Jesus Loves Me and sang that they can never take Jesus out of his heart. He also sang "In God We Still Trust Here in America". Chaplain Ben Maxedon opened and closed the observance of the National Day of Prayer. He thanked everyone for attending and told the audience that seeking the Lord begins by quitting our inner beings in humble confession to commune with God unemcumbered. He read Psalm 138:7 and said, "If we have faith and trust to compare to King David, nothing would keep us from reviving ourselves and our country."
Click here to find out more about Prayer Power of Georgia, Inc.