Thursday, May 6 Colonial’s Care Ministries hosted two events in observance of the 59th Annual National Day of Prayer. The United States first observed a national day of prayer in 1775 after the Continental Congress "designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation."  The modern National Day of Prayer was created after both houses of congress unanimously passed a bill in 1952 proclaiming that a day be set aside for national prayer.

Fifty volunteers prepared breakfast and lunch, greeted, set-up, and cleaned up, making Colonial’s Day of Prayer a time of fellowship, prayer and spiritual renewal for more than 200 people who came to one of the two events. Those who participated in the mid-day event were welcomed by Pastor Stephen Pritchett who opened the time of prayer. Pastor David Loftis led a time of singing to focus the group on prayer. Pastor Brad Harbaugh also led those gathered in a time of prayer.

The National Day of Prayer organizers suggest a format for guided-prayer covering seven focus areas including: government, military, business, media, the church, family and education. Honorary Chairman for the 2010 National Day of Prayer Franklin Graham wrote in his prayer for the nation: “We are thankful for the abundant blessings You [Lord] have bestowed on America. You have given us freedom to worship You in spirit and in truth as Your Holy Word instructs.”

“The service focused first on our own revival. We met God there [at the day of prayer event] and our hearts were shaken,” said Pastor Brad Harbaugh. Commenting on the Day of Prayer in Care Ministries’ bi-monthly newsletter, Pastor Harbaugh reminds us that “the non-Christian worldview portrays, “joy by chance” [happy] and “hope by chance”... this portrayal of reality is not reality.” He said, “When you and I pray it is literally our anchoring ourselves to this sovereign God and aligning our will with His.” There is no chance in that. Like Daniel, Pastor Harbaugh prayed, confessing that we as a people have sinned against God, and that we need change.

Pastor Pritchett said, “Many times when we pray, we tend to talk about and even preach about prayer, without actually praying at all or spending little time praying.” Those who came to Colonial’s Day of Prayer had the opportunity to participate; a portion of the time was devoted to individual prayer. Many people came with requests for family, friends and loved ones. Prayers were offered up for our nation and our leaders. Many prayed for our church, the pastors and all those who call Colonial home. Pastor Pritchett also said participants were instructed on how they might pray for situations with which they may not agree; pray as our Lord did that God’s will be done.

Pastor Pritchett said he was moved by the way people prayed, seeing Dads and Moms praying with and for their children. “There is something profoundly moving about hearing someone lift your name up in prayer,” he said.