Community gathers for prayer observance

A group of local residents came together Thursday to “Lift Up The Word, Light Up The World” in observance of the 73rd annual National Day of Prayer at St. James Independent Methodist Church in Palatka.

The Central Putnam Ministerial Association sponsored the event, which included a welcome by the Rev. Jesten Peters followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by the Law Enforcement Honor Guard. 

The association’s president, Pastor Steve Burkowske of Open Door Church of God, believes it’s important for communities to acknowledge and celebrate the freedom they have and to pray publicly and corporately throughout the nation.

“It is also important to remember that prayer works,” he said. “It’s never a bad thing to get people of faith together to pray. This is just another opportunity for the unity of believers to shine in our community.”

The theme for prayer day was from 2 Samuel 22:29-31: “For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God – his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.”

The National Day of Prayer Task Force estimated more than 35,000 prayer gatherings were conducted Thursday by about 40,000 volunteers across the United States with several million people participating in the call to prayer. In Putnam County, observances were also scheduled at the Caboose in Interlachen and the Georgetown-Fruitland Fire Department.

“It is a blessing to live in a nation where prayer is not only protected but proclaimed,” said Peters.

During the Palatka observance, musicians Summer and James Cox and Brandall Kearse, led more than 50 participants in singing the national anthem followed by Burkowske greeting guests and reading the presidential proclamation.

The hour-long program started at noon and saw area pastors and other community representatives pray for the government, education, youth, military and more.

Palatka resident Dorothy Montgomery, 77, said it was her first time attending a Day of Prayer ceremony.

“I felt that the people that came up to pray were anointed,” she said. “It kind of put a joy in my spirits and soul when they were praying and singing. I truly enjoyed myself highly.”

Sylvia Cooper, who also lives in Palatka, went to the observance with friends Gail and Donald Kerce and Sylvia Thompson.

“It was very uplifting and interesting,” said Cooper, 80. “It gave me a good feeling and I wish I had attended some of the past events.”

Cooper believes more prayer and unity are needed, given the shape the world is in today.

“It makes quite a difference and I highly recommend it to others,” she said.

Burkowske said it is easy for a believer in Jesus Christ to get comfortable in their faith and take for granted the blessings and favor of God.

“We are called to be stewards of the territory God has given us, just as a shepherd stewards their sheep,” he said. “Our city, Palatka and Putnam County, as well as our state and nation are ours to steward with our prayers and service. If we see something happening we know is not right, not of God, we need to get on our knees and pray, and then we need to find out how we can serve our community to become a better place.” 

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, where people are invited to pray for the nation, according to nationaldayofprayer.org. 

Burkowske hopes those who participated in Thursday’s observance were left uplifted and inspired to make prayer a priority.

“In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said where two or more are gathered together in his name, he is there among them,” Burkowske said. 

Montgomery is already making plans to attend next year’s event. 

“Everyone was so nice and kind and I believe everyone got a touch from the hand-holding,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful thing that all the pastors and all the people from all walks of life are getting to join together.”