MASSILLON − Repentance and a more cohesive community were some of the themes May 7 at the National Day of Prayer observance at Duncan Plaza.
The Rev. Kevin and Barb Andrews, co-pastors of Breath of Life Tabernacle, hosted the annual event.
National Day of Prayer has been a yearly ecumenical observance across the country since it was first signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1952.
President Ronald Reagan signed an amendment in 1988 designating the first Thursday in May as an official date. The tradition is rooted in proclamations that date back to the Continental Congress.
About 50 people turned up on the plaza, including an enthusiastic Columbus Danzy, 48.
“When the prayers go up, God’s blessings come down,” he said. “I just love God. I love to serve.”
Danzy’s pastor, the Rev. Tiesha Askew of RAM (Redeemed Acts Ministries) Church, said she’s attended the event for three years.
“It’s important to have a time set aside for prayer in the nation,” she said. “Many times as believers, we get silenced. It’s important that people of faith come together on one accord.”
Shortly before noon, Askew blew a ram’s horn, or shofar, a traditional instrument most commonly used during the Jewish High Holy Days to call people to prayer and repentance.
David Zehnder, 77, a retired Stark County chief public defender, said he and his wife have attended National Day of Prayer gatherings wherever they have lived.
The Zehnders, who live in Jackson Township, attend Perry Christian Church.
“We just moved here about two years ago,” he said. “No matter where we’ve lived, we try to go.”
The couple said they were disappointed more churches weren’t taking part, adding that Americans are fortunate to be able to freely gather for public prayer.
Giving thanks for the sunshine after days of clouds and rain, Rev. Barbara Andrews opened the observance by reading Psalm 51, a prayer of repentance.
“I read that scripture because all of us need a clean and a right spirit,” she said to a chorus of “amens.”
Mayor Jamie Slutz greeted the crowd with his own thoughts.
“In every community, including our own, there are challenges, uncertainty, division and loss,” he said. “There is also strong resilience and also collective unity, lifting up neighbors, our first responders … and all who serve for the greater good.
“We are reminded that in difficult times, we are not alone. Let today be a reminder that kindness matters.”
Musical guests included the Washington High School choir.
A City to Save a Nation also sponsored a weeklong observance with events in downtown Canton, culminating with prayer at Centennial Plaza.
Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: ‘I just love God.’ Massillon event celebrates National Day of Prayer
Reporting by Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
