National Day of Prayer will be observed Thursday at Benedum Civic Center.

 

Pastors from churches across Bridgeport will gather, joining all those who would like to take part in the noontime prayer service. Prayers will be offered for government, church, family, education, media, business and military – service personnel and veterans.

 

“Area clergy will be involved, including Nathaniel Lutyens of Young Life, who will be leading the prayer for education,” said Bridgeport Presbyterian Church Pastor Robin Ray, organizer.

 

National Day of Prayer is an annual event which takes place the first Thursday of May as Christians around the United States come together in unified prayer. And that is needed, Ray said.

 

“Even though we call ourselves Baptist, Presbyterian or Methodist, we all worship the same God and that brings us together as Christians of a whole nation,” she said.  “We can forget all those titles or denominations. It’s important for us to be unified in that way.”

 

So much hurt and sadness exists in today’s world – and nation, making this event as timely as ever, Ray said.

 

“Whether that’s poverty or a school shooting, there’s so much tragedy,” she said. “Now it’s happening in grocery stores and movie theaters, etc. It’s time for us to lift up these different areas of our country.”

 

Also to be lifted up in prayer are members of law enforcement, military, fire and emergency personnel, our mayor and other civic leaders, Ray said.

 

There will also be time for personal reflection and silent prayer. The Heritage Christian School choir will provide special music. The group will sing "God Bless America." 

 

The entire service should conclude by 12:30 p.m.