The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

National Day of Prayer 'lifts up our leaders'

Warren County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Tinch, left, and John Howard bow their heads as retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Shaw prays for the military during the 13th Annual Warren County National Day of Prayer Breakfast Thursday, May 7, at the Atrium Family YMCA in Middletown.

Staff photo by Nick Graham Warren County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Tinch, left, and John Howard bow their heads as retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Shaw prays for the military during the 13th Annual Warren County National Day of Prayer Breakfast Thursday, May 7, at the Atrium Family YMCA in Middletown.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Coroner confirms identities of three men killed in arson
11/7/09
Threats prompt school lockdown; suspect charged
11/6/09
Mason woman heard Fort Hood gunfire as husband hid
11/6/09
No Ohio Guard members injured at Fort Hood
11/6/09
Proton Therapy confirms talks to build center in Miami Twp.
11/6/09
> More headlines

By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 10:31 PM Thursday, May 7, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — About 100 Southwest Ohio residents sang and worshipped at the Atrium Family YMCA in observance of the 58th annual National Day of Prayer.

The men and women in attendance Thursday morning, May 7, sang “God Bless America,” read scriptures, prayed for healing of the nation, and guidance for local, state and national leaders.

A few were miffed, however, by President Obama’s decision not to hold a public prayer ceremony at the White House.

Jackie Purkey, 49, of Franklin was among those who attend the local prayer event.

Purkey, who said she was saddended Obama did not participate in Washington, said she attended the prayer event because she believes it’s important that the community prays together and “lifts up our leaders and make sure we’re carrying out the will of God for our nation.”

President Harry Truman signed the first proclamation recognizing the national event in 1952.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a resolution to observe the National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday of May, and each president since then has signed a proclamation recognizing the day, as did Obama.

Although the National Day of Prayer is organized by a privately funded task force headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., critics say it excludes other faiths and is a day for conservative Christians.

Warren County Commissioner Mike Kilburn said he hoped prayer gatherings held nationwide sent a message to Obama and the world that the United States is a Christian country.

“I was disappointed that President Obama made a statement a couple weeks ago that the United States is no longer a Christian country and went on to say we’re a nation representing Christians and other religions,” Kilburn said. “I strongly disagree. Our founders were men of faith and this country was built on faith-based beliefs.”

Organizer Georgie Clark said the national day is meant for all and is a day to “pray for the future of this nation.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2552 or tlatta@coxohio.com

Share this article

ADD COMMENT

Comments feed

After watching Obama slobber all over the Saudi King while bowing down, it doesn't surprise me that he would not want to hold a public prayer ceremony......we might be shocked what we, as a nation, might see.........

BG
4:04 PM, 5/8/2009

REPORT ABUSE

We used to be a nation of prayer. But it seems this nation is trying very hard to become nation of Godlessness.

Jesse
12:04 PM, 5/8/2009

REPORT ABUSE

I was at the Fairfield prayer service and I was saddened by the number of people who showed up. There may have been 70, there could have been 100 or more. My husband and I were also saddened because the High School was not allowed to have it's prayer gathering during school hrs. Some gathered and prayed before school started I heard....good job, guys! We are a nation of prayer and one who loves God and seeks Him

Lori Church
9:57 AM, 5/8/2009

REPORT ABUSE

We welcome your comments. Please remember this is a public forum and behave appropriately. Your comments must conform to our visitor's agreement.