At the Tyler County Courthouse in Middlebourne approximately 30 people turned out to pray about country, state and local issues on May 1. The first Thursday in May was decreed as the National Day of Prayer in a law signed by Ronald Reagan in 1988.

The observance was presided by Reverend Steve DeLay, pastor of Middlebourne Baptist Church. DeLay was accompanied by his wife Amy and sons, Ryan (age 5) and Jason (age 3).

DeLay revealed the theme for the National Prayer Day as “Prayer — America’s Strength and Shield.” The phrase was taken from Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.” DeLay passed out song sheets and slips of paper for each of the Seven Centers of Power: military, media, education, family, business, church and government. Participants were encouraged to volunteer to pray out loud for each of the areas in turn.

The assembled group began with the song, “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” DeLay gave a brief history of the National Day of Prayer, saying how the founding fathers in America call for prayer for the new nation, and Abraham Lincoln declared a Day of National Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer in April of 1863.

DeLay began the prayer time by asking that everyone pray silently for forgiveness to prepare their hearts to come before God. Then individuals around the circle prayed aloud as led regarding each of the Centers of Power.

Regarding military, the speaker prayed for all branches of the armed services and their families. Media prayers included protection for children on the Internet. For education, the schools, teachers, staff and students in Tyler County, West Virginia and the country received prayer.

Another Center of Power covered by the prayers was family — prayers for the traditional family unit, for divine intervention in abusive situations, and so on.

Prayer regarding business spoke of local and big businesses, ethical practices and giving.

Church was addressed by appealing for people to reach out to the un-churched, being light in the darkness and the importance for God’s people to come together as demonstrated on this day. Prayers for government were particularly pertinent in this election year to restore God’s will for the country.

The prayer time of over a half hour ended with the singing of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” DeLay finished by saying he was pleased with everyone who came to pray and God was pleased too.