Prayers for all people: Ministers’ petitions cover community during national prayer event

Published 1:21 am Friday, May 5, 2017

Representatives of the faith community led about 30 people in prayers at a noon service on Thursday marking the National Day of Prayer.

Bob Madsen, pastor of Andalusia First Presbyterian Church and president of the Greater Andalusia Area Ministerial Association, said the service originally was planned for the Square, but was moved indoors due to inclement weather.

Mable Jenkins of First Baptist Whatley Street prayed for the family as a whole.

“Father, we lift up all families, here and everywhere,” she said from the pulpit of First Presbyterian.

The Rev. Dr. Jason Thrower of First United Methodist Church prayed for all communities of faith.

“Drive out discomfort and strife, anxiety and fear, and help us to work together to serve the common good,” he prayed.

The Rev. Freddie Ervin of the Church of God in Christ prayed for educators and children in school.

Madsen prayed for persons in military service.

“For those who stand in harm’s way, ready to step in in challenging and threatening circumstances, we pray,” he said. “And for those leaders whose charge it is to place them in serious situations.”

He also prayed for the families of those who serve, and for the National Guard troops deployed to clean up in the aftermath of storms this week.

The Rev. Cindy Howard of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church prayed for those who govern in elected and appointed positions.

“Give them courage, wisdom and foresight to provide for the needs of all people,” she prayed.

The Rev. Leroy Cole of the Covington Baptist Association prayed for business community and leaders, including those in storefronts, and those who do business on farmlands.

Fr. Wayne Youngman of Christ the King Catholic Church in Andalusia prayed for the poor and powerless.

“Help us to respect every human being,” he prayed. “Help us to rise above the prejudices and relationships of the past.

He prayed for the oppressed, the poor and the homeless.

“Help us to show mercy and give us the means to do so,” he prayed.