Corning joins nation in prayer

With hands held in unity, more than 40 people joined in prayer on Thursday at Martini Plaza in Corning as they took part in the 61st National Day of Prayer.

“This is a choice land above all other lands. Bless its leaders that they will uphold the great Constitution which is an inspired document.” said Bishop Gary Mitchell, as he and other ecclesiastical leaders prayed for the government, families, the armed forces, women, Native Americans and unity of all.

Dan White, youth pastor for New Life Assembly church expressed his gratitude that people all across the United States, “from east to west are able with freedom to worship as we believe,” and invoked God to “to bind us together as one nation under God.”

Some of those gathered raised their hands in reverence and joined in song as Pastor Mike Sharp played the guitar and sang hymns.

“Help us to remove the distractions and focus on what is most important,” Sharp prayed, “worshipping God, who is not manifest through power and control, but in humility, meekness and love.”

Pastor Sue Duffy prayed for the women “all over the world,” and Minister Patricia Martin for the Native Americans.

Praying for those serving in the armed forces and the supreme court, Tony Cardenas asked that God’s guiding hand be with them and protect them.

Pastor John Gehrung, a former firefighter, said he found it a great honor to pray for the first responders who served their communities everyday.

“As they face tragedies others turn away from, may God’s hand be in their lives,” he prayed.

Pastor Ken Killinger prayed for families and Tehama County Supervisor Bob Williams asked a prayer for county officials, elected and appointed.

The solemn event was lead by Pastor J.R. Gonzales who welcomed Jerry Crow to read the National Day of Prayer resolutions from the state and nation’s capitols.
In closing, the group joined in singing “The Lord’s Prayer.”

The event has been observed in Corning for several years, the first taking place under the American flag as it waved on the corner at City Hall on Third Street.

National Day of Prayer is held on the first Thursday of May, and originates clear back to the days of President George Washington. Congress formally declared the date and observance in 1952.