Coffee County observes 75th Day of Prayer

JOHN COFFELT
Editor

Attendees from all over Coffee County gathered on the lawn of the Historic courthouse to commemorate the 75th National Day of Prayer by praying over various aspects of the community.

The National Day of Prayer was created in Congress in 1952 and was signed by President Harry Truman. Its goal is to mobilize prayer for the United States, focusing on seven centers of influence: government, military, media, business, education, church, and family.

Coffee County’s Day of Prayer also featured a prayer for Israel given by Bonnie Harris.

This year’s observance began with Manchester Police Chief Adam Floied leading the Pledge of Allegiance and featured Alabaster House of Prayer Pastor Alex Robertson as the master of ceremonies. He also offered a prayer for local government leaders including mayors, board of mayor and aldermen, commissions and other bodies.

Coffee County School Board member Beth Yentsch prayed for education and the well-being of all involved in the local school systems. Manchester First Methodist Church Children/Youth Director Nathaniel Parrow prayed for the youth of the Coffee County community.

Manchester First Baptist Church’s Dr. Billy Levengood offered a prayer for local media, and Life Choices Executive Director Terri Bryan prayed for local churches.

Coffee County National Day of Prayer Committee Chair Kelli Robertson prayed for ministries in the community including Blue Monarch, Be the Bush, Life Choices and others. Family Counseling Center Pastoral Counselor Rod Shrader gave a prayer for families.

Manchester First Methodist Church Pastor Michael Cobb offered a prayer for first responders in Coffee County, and Retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Colonel Temple Bowling IV gave a prayer over the military.

Katy Riddle, President and CEO of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, prayed over businesses in Coffee County.

The event also featured musical performances from Dana Brooks and Manchester First Methodist Church’s Seth Masaros with Brooks closing the ceremony with “God Bless America.”