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FRED PACE

EDITOR

More than 100 people gathered at the Boone County Courthouse last week in observance of the 60th National Day of Prayer.

The hour-long ceremony opened with praise and worship singing by local artists, followed by a variety of guest speakers.

Organizers said the annual event, which takes place on the first Thursday of each May, gave local people the opportunity to pray for members of the military, government officials, their families, schools, businesses, the media and the nation as a whole.

Pastors and other church leaders, organized the hour-long ceremony at the courthouse. It began with a parade and proclamation read by Commissioner Al Halstead.

On April 17, 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill proclaiming the National Day of Prayer into law. Then, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill into law decreeing that the National Day of Prayer should be held on the first Thursday of May.

“Don’t make this a one-time event. Pray for the nation every day. The church can turn this country around,” Weaver said.

“Prayer is so powerful and the National Day of Prayer is important,” Weaver said.

The hour-long ceremony ended with a prayer chain around the courthouse, where participants joined hands for a closing prayer.

The turnout for last week’s event was wonderful and commended the participation by local churches and individuals.

Also last week, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin attended the 2012 Gubernatorial Prayer Breakfast and discussed the importance of prayer as he proclaimed today to be A Day of Prayer in the Mountain State.

“There are many reasons we pray. We pray for guidance in our personal lives or for blessings to be upon those who are ill,” said Gov. Tomblin. “Regardless of form, prayer is powerful. It can change our lives and bring us joy. Prayer can strengthen marriages and bring families closer together. Strong families begin with strong marriages and I’m proud Joanne and I have enjoyed both for so many years.”

The Family Policy Council of West Virginia hosted the first Gubernatorial Prayer Breakfast in the state. The event was held to bring West Virginians together on the National Day of Prayer to pray for the state’s leaders, families and religious freedoms.

During the event, Gov. Tomblin highlighted the significance of House Bill 4605, known as The Pre-marital Education Act, which was passed during the 2012 Legislative Session. The Pre-marital Education Act provides an incentive for couples to complete premarital education, before receiving a marriage license.