WINONA LAKE – Local residents had the opportunity Thursday to pray for the community, businesses, government, veterans and the media.
National Day of Prayer was put on by the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association in Winona Lake at Rodeheaver Auditorium.
There were approximately 400 people who attended the event.
This year’s theme was “One Nation Under God.”
Dr. Ronald Manahan, Grace College president, was the keynote speaker.
Ken Locke, Salvation Army community ministries director, introduced Manahan. Locke encouraged the community to pray every day.
Manahan said the National Day of Prayer is a day to bring all citizens together.
“Prayer is humbling, even the postures of prayer are humbling, kneeling, hands lifted high with open palm stretched upward,” Manahan said.
He said attendees came from different backgrounds, and agreed on certain points and disagreed on others, but the value of prayer was recognized.
He said in 1952 a joint resolution by Congress signed by President Harry Truman declared an annual national day of prayer.
In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronal Reagan, setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.
In addition to Manahan, there were prayers for specific needs in the community and the nation led by local representatives.
State Representative Rebecca Kubacki prayed for local, state and national government.
Roger Grossman, WRSW, prayed for the local and national media and media consumers.
Pastor Rich Maron, veterans affairs department representative, prayed for the military.
Don Clemens, Rabb Soft Water, prayed for local businesses.
Tammy Schultz, Grace College professor of psychology and counseling, prayed for the families.
Denny Wilson, Warsaw Community Church pastor, prayed for ministry and missions.
This year’s musicians were Richard Dick on the piano and a trio from Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church consisting of Dave and Sherilyn Rank and Christi Barlow.
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