Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
‘A TOUCH OF GOD’ FELT AT PRAYER SERVICE
More than 100 Delaware County residents, many bringing their own lawn chairs, gathered under the large American flag in Rose Tree Park Thursday to hold a lunchtime prayer service marking the National Day of Prayer.
“God has blessed all of us. Not every country is like us,” said organizer Patti Bruno,
“For your great name’s sake! Hear us … forgive us … heal us” was the prayer theme of the day. It’s a phrase from the biblical Book of Daniel, verse 9:19. Last year those at the service prayed for a leader in the presidential election.
The two-hour service featured the Delaware County Sheriff’s office honor guard posting of the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of “America the Beautiful.” Next came David Buffum of Congregation Beth Yeshua in Overbrook Park, who blew the shofar for a call to prayer and worship.
Worshipers and religious members from across the county prayed for various aspects of life in the United States — the church, the military, even the media. Pastor Perry Messick of First Baptist Church in Collingdale said his prayer for public safety teams was inspired by the American flag: Red for firefighters, white for medical personal and blue for police.
Pastor Bob Guaglione, Calvary Chapel, prayed for government leaders. “Government comes from God. We need to pray for them, and be thankful for those who have been called to serve.
They carry a heavy burden,” he said.
Bruno praised Delaware County Council for its support of the event.
“America as a nation is stronger because we welcome and respect individuals of all faiths, and because we protect the fundamental right of all individuals to practice their faith while being free from persecution and discrimination,” said Delaware County Councilman John P. McBlain, who read part of a council proclamation declaring Thursday a National Day of Prayer in the county. “There are mostly Christians here but everyone is welcome,” McBlain said.
Meredith Harper of Quakertown Baptist Church held an inspiring prayer for the revival of unity in the land and unity in the body of Christ. Retired teacher Robert Kern prayed for schools, teachers and youth while Ed Cameron of Upper Darby prayed for our businesses and professionals.
In addition to the service, organizers offered a prayer tent with “prayer warriors” available for visitors seeking prayer requests.
Bruno of Newtown Square said the event was begun locally 24 years go by Evelyn Wright and has been occurring nationally for 66 years. During the service, the National Day of Prayer Task Force held a collection to raise money to support the program. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.
“It’s really a privilege to be able to say God’s name in public and bring our country back to the way it was founded,” said Diane Pluff of Newtown Square, who led a prayer for marriages, families and unborn.
“We’re hoping to share common ground for the nation, looking for peace,” said David Walsh of Malvern. “We hope all sides stop resisting and heal. We have enough bad people outside our borders.”
The event finished with everyone sing “God Bless America.”
“It was amazing,” said Shirley Sarong of Collingdale, who visited during her lunch hour. “A touch of God came down.”