County and city host National Day of Prayer ceremony

The first Thursday of every May is National Prayer Day, and White County had a wonderful service for the day. Half a dozen individuals came to speak, pray, and share their wisdom at Metcalf Park.

The speakers included county and city officials like City of Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery and White County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson, as well as community members Dewey Young and Tim Bumbalough. Each one prayed over a different topic. Before the prayers began, Moriah Hawkins performed the National Anthem, and the pledge of allegiance was also led after. Near the end of the service, the hymn “Sweet Hour of Prayer” was led by First Baptist Church’s Jon Rushing.

Mayor Lowery’s prayer was dedicated to education, where he said, “Lord, awaken our schools, restore truth, raise up teachers unashamed of the Gospel, protect our children from false doctrines. Put your protective hand over our educators and our student, and may your spirit move in our hearts.”

Tim Bumbalough prayed for the church. He clarified that his prayer was not just for the building of a church but instead the people that comprise it. Bumbalough said, “It is not the building that is under attack, it is the people. Today our churches? Attendance is falling because people would rather watch it on TV or experience a charismatic movement, but we need to experience the worship in the church.”

Frank Derrick prayed for family. His prayer focused on the reflecting role between family and relationship with God. Curtis prayed, “We thank you that through family we have so many insights into who you are and what you are like. We thank you for Godly husbands and fathers, who give us a glimpse of you as the perfect, eternal Father. We thank you for God-fearing wives and mothers, who reflect the beauty of the relationship between Jesus and his church.”

Dewey Young spoke and prayed for veterans. He reached out and thanked all the veterans that were present for the service, and he gave a brief talk about their importance and the sacrifices they have made in life. Young prayed, “Father, I pray that you touch each heart here today. Bless America, because there is a faithful group. They are praying daily.”

Charles Curtiss, former White County executive and former state representative, prayed for the government. He said, “We ask, Lord, that you bless our leaders at our nation’s capital. Our leaders in Nashville, as they are scattered across the state. Our local leaders, our city leaders, our county leaders. Lead and guide each and every one of them.”

Robinson gave special thanks to Matthew Elmore, White County Veterans Service Officer, for helping organize the event. Every chair at the venue was filled, with dozens more brought by other visitors. Notable other guests present for the event that did not speak included State Representative Paul Sherrell.