Star Staff Reports
The City of Millington invited several area clergy, community leaders, residents and the choirs of Millington Elementary and Millington Middle for the 2017 National Day of Prayer. This year’s event, “For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us… Forgive Us… Heal Us!,” was held at the Baker Community Center. Across the nation, several Christians acknowledged the 66th National Day of Prayer. Each year, on the first Thursday of May, the U.S. marks the National Day of Prayer. Although the day of observance has its roots in the American Revolution, it wasn’t formally recognized until President Harry S. Truman signed a law to annually recognize it in 1952. “The religious liberty guaranteed by the Constitution is not a favor from the government, but a natural right bestowed by God,” Trump wrote in his National Day of Prayer proclamation. “Our Constitution and our laws that protect religious freedom merely recognize the right that all people have by virtue of their humanity. As Thomas Jefferson wisely questioned: ‘Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?’” The National Day of Prayer Community Prayer Meeting featured the two Choirs signing spiritual and patriotic songs. Then the Millington Central High School Junior NROTC presented the Colors after the welcome from Millington Mayor Terry Jones. The first official prayer of the night came courtesy of Pastor Gary Forsee, Faith Assembly of God, leading the gathering in the Lord’s Prayer. Next up to the microphone was Lucy Baptist’s David Lawrence praying for the Government near and far. The man in charge of praying for Church across the land was Promiseland Missionary Baptist Church’s OC Horton Jr. He was followed by Emmanuel – The WORD Church’s Bishop Roger Christopher leading the congregation in prayer for Military. Grace Baptist Church of Rosemark Pastor Jimmy Davis prayed for the American Family. With an emphasis on children brought to the room, Millington School Board member and local business owner Cody Childress prayed for Education. Next up was Ridgegrove Church of Christ Youth Minister and The Millington Star Editor Thomas Sellers Jr. praying for Media. Then Patriot Bank’s and Millington School Board member Larry Jackson led the group in prayer for Business.
The final prayer came courtesy of Little John Missionary Baptist Church Pastor and Millington Alderman Thomas McGhee. He read aloud the National Prayer before delivering the closing prayer.
