On the 60th year of its observance, National Day of Prayer was celebrated in Richmond Hill as a day to come together in spirituality, with a focus on praying for strength in difficult times.

In front of the Bryan County Courthouse Annex building on Ford Avenue on Thursday evening, spiritual leaders from five local churches, civic leaders, emergency services personnel and members of the community gathered together in prayer.

The Rev. Greg Gillispie, pastor of Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, opened the ceremony with the National Prayer. He asked those in attendance to recall the foundations on which our country was built and the important role prayer has played in the shaping of our nation and its leaders.

Jonathan Fuller, associate pastor of Richmond Hill United Methodist Church; Pastor Steve Lane of New Beginnings Church; Clark Hubbard, Rector of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church; and Gary Guinney of Corinth Baptist Church also spoke at the event.

Prayers were said for those suffering due to the current economic hardship and associated problems; those in the military and their families; those who teach or volunteer in the community and help to shape the lives of children; and for civic leaders and emergency services personnel.

“On this day, it’s important for us to reflect on the blessings we’ve been given and also to ask God to continue to watch over us,” Fuller said.

Lane led attendees in a special prayer for those dealing with job loss or divorce in the wake of financial stress, that they might seek God for help.

Clark noted the importance of National Day of Prayer.

“It’s a day that reminds us, as Americans, that prayer is important and that we’re under an authority other than the elected authority or any other man-made authority,” he said.

For more, pick up a copy of the May 7 edition of the News