For the first time in three years, Trigg County and its officials will be observing “National Day of Prayer” a little closer together — both in message, and in person.
Set for noon Thursday in the front of the Trigg County Justice Center, it’s the first time since 2019 for a large planned gathering. The last two years, COVID-19 has caused the event to be held in a hybrid format in the WKDZ/WHVO Radio parking lot.
Oak Grove Baptist Church Pastor Nicholas Clark and Little River Baptist Association Director of Missions Bro. Bobby Sellers will work through guided prayers and scriptures from the books of Psalm, 1 Timothy, 2 Chronicles and Philippians — while local dignitaries in Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander and Mayor Todd King will preside with remarks.
Clark, who’s been at Oak Grove since 2019, said he’s very much looking forward to his first full gathering for this event for two reasons.
One, he hasn’t experienced it yet. And two, he feels that prayer is important in solitude, but valuable as a group.
For Christians, and other religions, prayer can bring about a calm, clear focus to those in search of answers or guidance. It’s often used to center thoughts on those less fortunate or in the line of danger, such as first responders and the military.
But Clark notes it’s a time to highlight the forbearance required by local officials to administer justice and bring about positive change in a community.
Outside of those things, Clark said he’s consistently praying for a “reviving interest” in things related to Christ and the gospel, including a repentance of sin and a trust in faith.
Giving thanks, Clark added, is also an important facet of prayer.
On April 17, 1952, a bill initiated by Conrad Hilton of Hilton Hotels and Senator Frank Carlson of Kansas was passed, seeking the President of the United States set aside an appropriate day each year, other than Sunday, as a “National Day of Prayer.”
In 1983, the first “National Day of Prayer” was observed at Constitution Hall in Washington D.C., with featured speakers Vice President George Bush and Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie.
