Prayer event a feast of spirituality

At a lunch celebrating the National Day of Prayer, more than 100 people gather to ask for blessings.

By MICHELLE JONES

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 5, 2000

LAND O'LAKES -- A call for increased spirituality was the focus of Thursday's National Day of Prayer lunch at the Land O'Lakes Recreation Complex on Collier Parkway.

"We need to have national repentance," said the Rev. Rick Cabot, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Lutz, who attended along with his wife, Vikki. "We, as a nation, have turned our back to God, and we need to turn back to him."

Cabot said he thought it was wonderful that people gathered to pray.

Several speakers cited Scripture from 2 Chronicles 7:14:

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land." The Rev. Jean Cooley, pastor of Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church of Lutz, said the nation must pray for wisdom, justice and peace.

More than 110 people attended the two-hour luncheon and prayer service, including representatives from 11 area churches. The event was sponsored by Christian Social Services, and Ukulele Brand's catered the meal. Members of the Disabled American Veterans presented the flag.

Jacquie Petet, director of Christian Social Services, welcomed attendees and thanked the community for supporting the ministry, which provides emergency food and clothing to the needy.

Pasco County Commissioner Sylvia Young read a proclamation declaring it a day set aside as a national observance.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed into law legislation proclaiming the first Thursday of May as the National Day of Prayer.

However, the concept dates back to 1775, Young said.

Deah McReynolds, who attends First United Methodist Church of Lutz, sang two songs, God of All of Me and God Forbid.

"How casually we speak your name, instead of coming in fear and wonder to you," she said, leading into the second song.

Dee Hawley, a member of First United Methodist Church of Land O'Lakes, said she came to the luncheon to participate in the observance.

"It was very good that they prayed for leadership of our country," she said. "We need to do it more often."

Guest speaker Wendy Warman, of Smartalkers, Speaking For Success, described ways to overcome the fear of praying out loud.

"Take the focus off the (person praying) and put it on the request and God," she said. "Pray your personal prayers out loud. Get used to hearing your voice."

The Rev. Geoff Gordon of Willow Bend Community Church asked for the blessing of the food, and closing prayers were offered by the Rev. Alan Johnson of Harvester United Methodist Church.

-- Michelle Jones covers central Pasco community news. She can be reached at (813) 226-3459. Her e-mail address is jones@sptimes.com

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