Local residents observe day of prayer

By Jan Schultz
Imperial Republican Correspondent
    About a dozen pastors and community members took part in the National Day of Prayer last Thursday in Imperial as the group gathered on the Chase County Courthouse grounds near the American flag and Veterans Memorial.
    This year marked the 75th anniversary of National Day of Prayer, which invites people to pray for the Nation. It was first held in 1952 after a joint resolution was passed by the U. S. Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.
    This years theme was “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.” Those at the local National Day of Prayer rotated in reciting the various prayers provided by the national task force.
    Fr. Lothar Gilde, pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and one of the attendees, said the National Day of Prayer is important because it’s a testimony to faith.
    “We believe that we are one nation under God and this event makes that visible,” he said.
    He noted that the “one nation under God” phrase appears in the Pledge of Allegiance and National Day of Prayer reinforces that principle.
    Always held on the first Thursday in May, every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.
    In conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, another national event happens this Sunday, May 17.
    Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving will be headquartered in Washington D. C. on the National Mall with numerous political and faith leaders set to address the public, along with authors, media and witnesses in the multi-hour event from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.
    Organizers say this historic gathering is set to give thanks to God’s providence, reflect on the nation’s story and rededicate America as One Nation under God.
    The St. Patrick’s Parish Hall will be open Sunday afternoon when part of the “Rededicate 250” program will be streamed from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Fr. Gilden said the streaming is open to the public and they can come for the entire hour or for as long as they can.