May 4 was the National Day of Prayer all around the United States, and in many places in Crenshaw County, this reverential privilege and honor was observed.

At 9 a.m. at the Crenshaw Community Hospital, several staff members gathered around the flagpole on the front grounds. Hospital administrator Jim McKnight welcomed everyone and then introduced the Rev. Hamp Kicklighter. Rev. Kicklighter, who is the pastor of Live Oak and Rutledge United Methodist churches, led the group in prayer.

Another ceremony was held at the Crenshaw County Courthouse at noon last Thursday.

Probate Judge Jim Perdue opened the ceremony and told everyone how the National Day of Prayer had been established by an act of Congress.

&#8220This is a time set aside to encourage us to pray for our leaders and our nation,” Perdue said. &#8220If there was ever a time when we need prayer, it is now. We seem to be in a time of prayerlessness, and we need to take the time to pray.”

Nancy Petrey led everyone in singing &#8220God Bless America.”

Luverne Mayor Joe Rex Sport led the gathering in prayer, as did Pastor Mike Green of South Luverne Baptist Church, the Rev. Charlie Sankey, Jr., of Rockwest Baptist Church, and Petrey Mayor Curtis Petrey said the final prayer.