Community unites for National Day of Prayer

More than 100 people came together to pray for family, community, government and military as the nation celebrated the 55th annual National Day of Prayer at the state Capitol on Thursday.

Hosted by the Carson City Ministerial Fellowship, the 25-minute ceremony was held under blue skies with a gentle breeze. This year's theme was "America Honor God."

The ceremony opened with music ministry from Eagle's Wings Church and First Christian Church of Carson City.

"I do believe in the power of prayer," said Verna Murphy, 74, of Carson City.

"As a country, I feel we're drifting away from God. I like that the pastors do this."

Murphy was accompanied by her great-granddaughter, Margaret Lewis, 4, who said she was there to pray for her friends.

"I'm going to pray for Bradley, a friend in preschool, and Micah and Cindy. They are friends from church."

President Bush wrote in his proclamation, "The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our nation to reaffirm the role of prayer in our culture and to respect the freedom of religion by recognizing each year a National Day of Prayer."

As Rev. Chuck Nichter prayed for the state, his voice broke with emotion.

"Thank you for being here," he said to the crowd. "You could be eating lunch or out somewhere else, but you're here to honor our state and country like good Christians."

Kimberly Adams, representing the mayor's office, read Mayor Marv Teixeira's proclamation.

"We give thanks for this nation, being one nation under God," she read.

Those attending were pleased with the outcome.

"I thought today was awesome," said Rev. John Wiltse, president of the Carson City Ministerial Fellowship. "It just keeps growing. I expect it to be greater every year."

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.