On Thursday, May 3rd, I drove over to Rockwall City Hall. I’d read about a noon-time gathering planned for the National Day of Prayer (NDP). Sure enough, I saw red, white and blue balloons and people in non-business attire making their way toward the front of the tall building.
Attending a NDP gathering seems a bit like voting to me. Taking time out of our schedule can be a challenge. There can be parking problems when the turnout is good. Like voting, we join the wider community for a good purpose.
I noticed the preparations looked similar to the NDP event I attended in San Antonio each year before moving to North Texas. A group of worship singers and a keyboard player with her instrument waited in the building’s shade. Fifty or more folding chairs were set up in rows—no shade for those, unfortunately.
I looked around for any atheists with big signs. They like to protest NDP gatherings on government property. But I reminded myself this was Rockwall County. Maybe they were preying on those praying over in Dallas.
Attendees arrived quietly and took most of the seats. A few brought umbrellas to fend off the rays. Some of us opted to stand off to the side, in the building’s shade—cooler, but not as good for hearing those designated to pray for our city, state and nation.
I was impressed with the representation of pastors and community leaders participating. Their names weren’t listed in the program. They were mostly introduced by their roles: mayor, judge, pastor, coach, etc. . . . The event was in recognition of God, not man. All who came to the microphone to pray expressed the same attitude, acknowledging God with quiet reverence and supplication. There was no shouting or pleading. But again, this was Rockwall—not San Antonio.
We can pray at home or at our churches on the National Day of Prayer. But I prefer to gather with the wider body of Christ on this day. I like praying with people without knowing their church affiliation. I like the open air, and its reminder of religious freedom. I even like the noise of cars whizzing past, with drivers oblivious to the chorus of prayer offered by folks otherwise unconnected.
On the NDP, we realize the unknown fellow citizens are our brothers and sisters in Christ—unless they’re hoisting signs. Then, the place of prayer can become a place for sharing God’s love. (I can’t forget the young atheist whose insolent expression melted when a woman in her 90’s put her arm around him).
I feel that praying for our country is a solemn duty and a privilege at the same time. When I head back to my car after a National Day of Prayer gathering, I feel much better than when I’ve gone to vote. I feel more hopeful.
Blue Ribbon News special contributor Patti Richter works as journalist, writing news and feature stories, book reviews and more for many Christian publications. She lives in Heath with her husband Jim.
Read more by Patti Richter:
God’s not-so-random acts of kindness
Of Snakes & Pumpkins: even a perfect fall day is made better with prayer
A lesson in forgiveness – just in time for Thanksgiving
De-stressing at Christmas – in the closet
Down with Resolutions – except one
To submit your news, events, or a guest column, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
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