Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
On Thursday, May 6, the National Day of Prayer was recognized with a special ceremony at the gazebo in Four Freedoms Park, in Madison. The event was sponsored by the Madison County Christian Ministerial Association and was held in conjunction with the public reading of the Bible, which concluded at the gazebo on Friday, May 7.
Midway Church of God Pastor Retis Flowers opened the ceremony with prayer, followed by Madison Correctional Institute Chaplain Mike Carson. Both men prayed for those serving in all levels of government. Hanson and Rocky Springs United Methodist Churches Pastor Michael Halley prayed for all first responders, those in the armed forces, our neighbors and the Madison City Commission.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church Vicar Joe Boyles offered a prayer of thanks for God's creation, especially the land that provides us with food. He lifted up the prisons and prisoners in our area, A Women's Pregnancy Center and families, because families are the building blocks of our society.
Kay Harris continued to ask God for protection and guidance for children and families. She was joined in praying for the peace and well being of the community by Jenny Andrews. A lot of prayer went forth in a short amount of time and the participants were grateful for the opportunity to come together in unity to pray for Madison County, the nation and the world.