Thursday is National Day of Prayer across the country.
It is on that day that each year that the Mayor’s Annual Prayer Breakfast is held.
The event drew nearly 500 attendees, and is hosted by the Jackson Area Ministerial Association, which is made up of ministers from various faiths. Today, prayers by community leaders and pastors and praise music from The Lighthouse Church Worship team rang through the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
Kenneth Cummings, a City of Jackson employee, prayed for those in local and national government to understand that while there is a separation of church and state, that those who believe never separate from God in their personal lives and serve with love and respect.
“We pray that decisions of our leaders are not based on race, nationality, socio-economic status, age, sexuality, gender identity, political affiliation, or anything that separates us or causes us to miss the mark of loving one another,” Cummings said.
There were additional prayers for local businesses by Rev. Donald Lance, of Lighthouse Church, for the challenges of the last few years in the wake of the pandemic, to find employees who will not only work but be committed to the work. Rev. Lance asked not only for revival in churches, but revival in businesses, employees and customers.
Dr. Ricky Catlett, deputy superintendent of the Jackson-Madison County School District, helped lift up administrators, teachers, and students, and staff.
“Lord, provide a hedge of protection around our schools and provide a safe and nurturing environment where they feel valued and respected for who you made them to be,” Catlett prayed.
He also prayed for students who struggle, for the endurance and wisdom of teachers, and that each staff member who works behind the scenes would know their worth and the impact they have.
A prayer for the safety of the military, law enforcement, and first responders was given by retired U.S. Special Forces Master Sgt. Michael Lee. The prayer, however, wasn’t only for those in harm’s way: “Lord, watch over their families, help them to get through the hard times.”
Lee also asked for God to watch over and bless families who lose loved ones in the line of duty; and to keep them from bitterness.
A rousing call for angels to hover over families who are dealing with divorce, addiction, abuse, mental illness, and other adversities came from Yeshuwah Breakthrough Ministries pastor James Barlow II.
Prayers for strong and unified church congregations were given by West Jackson Baptist Church Rev. Andy Neeley.
Olivia Abernathy, a member of the Madison County Commission, prayed for unity and for the dividing walls of hostility to be broken down. Again, the message of love and respect for one another was loud and clear: “Look around you, this is your family.”
Conger said all of the prayers are important, but the Unity Prayer struck a chord with him, with the message of being kind to one another.
“We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and we should celebrate our differences. We are better together, whether in prayer, in service, or other areas,” Conger said.
Pastor Barlow says the Jackson Area Ministerial Association meets monthly and works together on projects to benefit the entire community. The next event is The March for Jesus on May 20.
For information contact Pastor Garry Martin at 901-849-7644 or email: [email protected]
