Prayer in Amarillo; File Photo
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The National Day of Prayer is observed the first Thursday of May each year, inviting people of all faiths to pray for America. Thursday night, Amarillo citizens joined in that tradition, gathering in the park, on public land, to preserve that right for the future.
For one day, the nation is forgetting its problems, and looking to a higher calling. "Any parent knows what a delightful thing it is when all the children get along, even if it's just for a short while. I think God looks down on us and the many different people that He created, all for different wonderful purposes, and this is such an incredible opportunity to see us all come together in a united spirit when right now we have some huge divisions in our country," said Lee Blakeney, the coordinator of the event at John Stiff Park.
Those divisions weren't evident Thursday, what were instead were heads bowed in prayer. "It's in scripture to pray for those in authority as well as, if my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray for our county then I'll heal their land and we certainly need a lot of healing," said Bruce Das, a National Day of Prayer participant.
Last year the National day of Prayer was challenged in court. "One of my goals is to gather and pray on public land to preserve that right for the future," said Blakeney. Another goal is to bring unity to the community. "For one day we stop and we pray for our city and our state and our nation," Blakeney continued.
"It kinda lets the community get together with all the different churches and we can all pull together, like for our country or for our state or whatever. But I think it's good that we all pull together," said Danny Gardner, the Cowboy Church Pastor. And by doing that, put away everything they disagree on and focus on the good. "Remember to count your blessings and not your burdens," said Aaron Phillips, with the motorcycle ministry.
There were 30,000 events registered with the National Day of Prayer across the country. This is the 60th year it has been observed..
