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Religion

Bowed heads and thankful hearts

Thursday, the National Day of Prayer, Hernando will honor God and focus on the government, church and family.

By JEAN JOHNSON
Published April 29, 2006

BROOKSVILLE - Many Americans will celebrate the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, and Hernando County will have perhaps its largest event ever to mark the day.

This year's theme is "America, Honor God," based on the book of I Samuel 2:30, which reads: ". . . Those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be treated with contempt."

The day will begin with a prayer walk at 11 a.m. in the parking lot of the host church, Faith Presbyterian of Brooksville. Ron and Jennifer Wheeles have organized the event with assistance from the Rev. David and Nellie Garcia of Grace World Outreach Church, which recently changed its name from Brooksville Assembly of God.

For the past three years, services were at Northcliffe Baptist in Spring Hill and Brooksville Assembly. They were moved to Faith Presbyterian because of space and convenience.

"The state and national folks from the National Day of Prayer task force gave us ideas on how to set up an event and appealed to us about emergency vehicles, for which we're thankful," Ron Wheeles said. "We needed a large piece of property to spread out," and Faith Presbyterian fit the bill. "It was in a good location, had ample parking space and was involved in community events."

After walking around the parking lot, Wheeles and the Rev. Ron DiNunzio, pastor of Faith Presbyterian, agreed that it was the perfect place for the county's celebration.

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America. The Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer in 1775.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln called for such a day. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer that was signed into law by President Harry S Truman. In 1988, that law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan. It designated the first Thursday in May as National Day of Prayer, a time of specific prayer for the country's government, media, education, church and family.

Shirley Dobson, National Day of Prayer chairwoman, is recognized for her leadership skills and contributions to women's affairs, Christian organizations and the government. A member of the board of directors for Focus on the Family, Dobson has been chairwoman of the Day of Prayer task force since 1991. Each year, millions of Americans gather at more than 40,000 events.

Ron Wheeles, 46, moved to Brooksville from California in 1966 so his family could be closer to his grandfather, who was in need of special care. His association with the National Day of Prayer began about seven or eight years ago when the Garcias became interested in the event and asked for the Wheeles' assistance. The Wheeles' involvement has increased during the past four years.

"I'm a firm believer in prayer," said Wheeles, "and believe it is very pleasing to our God for us to get together as believers to pray for the media, education, government, church and family. When we get together in unity and pray together as Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics, Methodists and Assemblies of God and local community churches, the whole range of denominations pray for these five areas."

After the prayer walk, participants will be encouraged to peruse the emergency vehicles.

"Hopefully, there will be military personnel available," said Wheeles, remembering that last year the presence of two military women brought tears from at least one person in attendance.

He said it's good to let emergency and military personnel know that people care and pray for them.

The worship service at Faith Presbyterian will be from noon to 1 p.m. The Wheeleses and Garcias are encouraging all churches to have their doors open in the morning or afternoon to allow people to pray.

Henry Blackaby, author and pastor, is the 2006 honorary chairman and will address the national event in Washington.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: National Day of Prayer observance

WHEN: Prayer walk at 11 a.m. May 4. Worship service begins at noon.

WHERE: Faith Presbyterian Church, 200 Mount Fair Ave., Brooksville

INFORMATION: Call 796-4969

[Last modified April 29, 2006, 06:41:04]