The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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May 4, 2006

Enid residents turn out to pray

By Cindy Allen Managing Editor

A cool, brisk north wind didn’t dampen the spirit of the faithful who gathered on the Garfield County Court House lawn Thursday to pray for city, state and national leaders.

About 100 people came out during the lunch hour to answer the call to participate in a National Day of Prayer. Enid Min-isterial Alliance prayer coordinator John Chambers said all across the state, Oklahomans gathered on courthouse lawns at noon to pray.

“We gather today in patriotic duty,” Chambers said. “We come, not out of religious duty, but out of response to our future. This is the one day out of the year we gather as a nation, unified, and pray together.”

Representatives from the community came forth to pray for the nation, the state and the community.

Lorenzo Dunford, director of youth ministries and campus pastor at First United Methodist Church, prayed for the nation.

“We lift up our nation,” he said. “We lift up all those who’ve been called in a position to lead this nation.”

Dunford prayed for President George W. Bush, members of Congress and members of the judiciary.

“Your Word declares that blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,” Dunford said.

Darla Otera, a member of the Apache tribe, prayed for the state and for the American Indian people of the state.

Mayor Ernie Currier was called to pray for the city of Enid. He gave thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed on Enid.

“We thank You for smiling on our city,” he said. “We acknowledge that we live in a blessed city.”

He said the city always will face challenges, but he asked for continued prosperity in Enid.

“We see new jobs coming and companies doing well ... we praise Your name for the blessings You have given our community.”

He also asked for wisdom for city leaders.

“We ask You to impart wisdom, impart Godly wisdom and leadership all around our community,” he said.

The mayor ended his prayer with a call for unity.

“Bless us with the feeling of love for one another,” Currier said. “Unite us in a common bond, and that is our love for You.”

Child singer Lucas Ciliberti also participated in the prayer gathering by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and by singing “God Bless America” and “Grace Falls Down.”

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