A West Virginia Day of Prayer service was broadcast and streamed at noon today. Governor Jim Justice opened the service in prayer, but before doing so, he provided a brief update about the situation at Sundale Nursing Home in Morgantown.

 

“It was (the situation at Sundale) that prompted us to go to a stay-at-home order and I think we did the right thing,” he said. “We are going to need some really special prayers today for all those involved in the nursing home, where (positive cases) continue to jump … As of last night, 16 of the residents of that nursing home have tested positive and four staff members and we continue to wait on 50 others who have been tested and results are still pending.”

 

Gov. Justice said we owe so much to so many, especially our seniors, who give us guidance beyond belief.

 

“We want them to know this entire effort is to try to protect them as we know this terrible virus attacks them first and foremost,” the governor said. “We need to ask again for prayers for all those in the healthcare industry, all those medical people who are working every day, putting themselves and their families on the front lines as they try to look after all of us.”

 

Gov Justice said he goes to his God in prayer multiple times each day.

 

“I can tell you. He will guide us out of this,” he said. “This is a special day when we all come together.”

 

The governor introduced Dr. Dan Anderson of Appalachian Bible Institute, who he said has been a prayer champion of his in so many different situations.

 

“He’s a really close friend and he will serve as our moderator today on this really special day for all of us,” Gov. Justice said.

 

Dr. Anderson led in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the governor offered a few words before leading his state in prayer.

 

“The blessings we have are unlimited, yet we have struggles and today we are surely facing a monumental struggle,” Gov. Justice said. “I am nowhere close to being a polished or good prayer, but in my words I would like you to allow me to say a prayer for all of us at this time. Forgive me if I stumble… Let us pray.”

 

The governor prayed:

 

“Throughout this globe, there are voices calling out by the millions. I know without any doubt you are hearing every single voice and that’s why I know you’re hearing mine right now, mine from our beautiful state that you’ve blessed us with beyond comprehension. You’ve blessed us with rich hilltops to our cities with four fabulous seasons; all this beauty here that abounds in every way that you’ve given us here in West Virginia. But I also know you’ve given us the beauty that is beyond belief in our people. Our people abound with truth and honor and faith-based families. And those people today are concerned. They are not necessarily worried because they have so much faith in you, dear God, but they are absolutely anxious and absolutely concerned. I pray so much for those in nursing homes that you will in some way bring healing to all those affected, but Father I pray for all of us in our great state, that you will intervene now and hear our words as I know you will and in some way intervene to stop this terrible virus without any question. I know in my heart that our only way to conquer this terrible disease is you, our dear God, so I pray these words in Jesus’ name. I pray these words in God’s name, dear, dear Father, help us and help us now. Amen.”

 

Various clergy members and musicians from throughout the state participated in the service with Dr. Anderson serving as moderator. More to come on today’s statewide prayer service.

 

Nearly 4,000 individuals tuned into the live stream on the governor's Facebook page. The service was also broadcast over NBC affiliate channels. 

 

The governor will provide an updated on COVID-19 preparedness and response today at 3 p.m. 

 

Find more information HERE.