The annual National Day of Prayer event was held at Fountain Park on May 7 and about 250 people enjoyed free hot dogs and over 300 attended the prayer program.

For many the blowing of the shofar, traditionally used as a call to prayer or battle, was a new experience, but it set the mood for the program that followed.

So many people gave of their time to make the National Day of Prayer happen, a huge thank you to each of you. To the ones who set up and served the food, the ones who set up and took down all equipment, the greeters, the prayer warriors who had been meeting to lift it up in prayer. We are so grateful for your willingness to help. We could not have done this without you.

To those participating in the actual program; the pastors and speakers who prayed for government, church, military, family, education, media and business; Deborah Fisher’s beautiful singing of the National Anthem; color guard Boy Scout troop No. 444; Mrs. Bovinette’s second grade class for an amazing job of reciting the Preamble to the Constitution and Gettysburg Address; the combined bell choirs of Shepherd of the Hills and Fountain Hills Presbyterian churches; the combined ministerial association church choirs; Bonnie Hollabaugh for signing; and Dr. C.T Wright, who had us cheering and applauding his heartfelt message.

We thank you all for giving us an inspiring and uplifting program. A special thank you goes to Phyliss Kern for use of the showmobile stage and Bashas’ for the donation of water.

We need to make praying a part of every day, because it is essential in our daily lives, for ourselves, for our town, for our state and for our country.