ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Hymns rang out across downtown St. Clairsville as churches held a special service to commemorate the National Day of Prayer.
The holiday was commemorated not only in St. Clairsville but across the nation, as President Harry Truman first proclaimed a National Day of Prayer in 1952. The U.S. Congress then passed a resolution in 1988 proclaiming the first Thursday of May National Prayer Day.
“It’s so important for us to live up this nation to God and that is just what National Prayer Day is,” said St. Clairsville National Prayer Day Host and Harbor of Hope Staff Pastor Nikki Smithberger. “Since the ’50s, this day has been set apart for believers all over the country to lift our nation in prayer.”
Pastors, judges, political leaders and residents gathered in front of the Belmont County Heritage Museum on Thursday to participate in St. Clairsville Area Churches’ rendition of the event.
The service began with a welcome and prayer by First Christian Church Pastor Curt Hallstrom, followed by a performance of “Our Nation” by Linda Jordan. St Clairsville American Legion Post 159 then presented the flag, with Chief Deputy Jimmy Zusack reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Barry Bline then led the crowd in a rendition of the national anthem.
After the anthem, Belmont County Commissioner J.P. Dutton read President Joe Biden’s proclamation of a National Day of Prayer for 2024. Belmont County Commissioner Jerry Echemann then read the county’s proclamation of a National Day of Prayer for 2024.
“Prayer plays a powerful role in the lives of people of all cultures, religions and backgrounds and serves as a source of moral and spiritual guidance for millions throughout the nation,” said Echemann. “We unite with fellow citizens to exercise the freedom we have to gather in prayer to seek guidance, provision, protection and purpose for the benefit of every individual. It is a day that transcends differences, bringing citizens together from all backgrounds.”
Different denominations were brought together during St. Clairsville’s observance of the event as pastors from various local churches read out prayers during the service. East Richland Evangelical Friends Church, Christ the King Lutheran Church, and Harbor of Hope Assembly of God Church were some local churches that participated.
Following the proclamations, prayers for the nation were performed by local pastors, judges, veterans and residents. Their words of devotion asked for safety and protection for military and safety personnel; government workers and leaders; students and families; and churches, clergy and church leaders.
Keynote Speaker Pastor Dave St. Aubin of Thoburn United Methodist Church then took to the pulpit with a speech that emphasized the importance of remaining faithful during “very difficult, challenging times.”
“This is a pivotal time in our country, and it’s also a time of darkness in so many ways,” said St. Aubin. “There’s perhaps never been a more important time in the history of this nation to let our light shine before others than right now.”
St. Aubin’s plea to the crowd to “let their light shine” matched the theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer: “Lift Up The Word, Light Up The World.”
“My prayer is that we live the command of being light and lifting up the word of almighty God, who is still the rock of our faith,” said St. Aubin. “When we shine the light of Christ into our communities, it will change the hearts and the minds of others who have hardened their hearts against God who have left the church who have turned away from the Gospel.”
For Smithberger, being able to sing and speak their words of praise for God in the middle of town was one way the celebration shined the light of Christ into the community.
“It’s just so beautiful being right in the middle of town so people can come see and hear the word of God getting spread out into the atmosphere in the community,” said Smithberger. “It’s so important for us to lift this nation to God and that is just what National Day of Prayer is.”
Audience members then worshiped God together during group prayer time following St. Aubin’s speech.
Attendee Brenda Graham explained that though she had never met some of whom she prayed with today, they were not strangers to her.
“We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, it doesn’t matter whether we’re male or female, what color or nationality we are,” said Graham. “We pray together as strangers, but we’re not really strangers at all.”
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