Brad Horn/Nevada Appeal File Photo Former Nevada Assemblywoman Sharron Angle, center, prays during the 2007 National Day of Prayer at the Capitol in Carson City in this file photo. Pictured from left are the hands of Sen. Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, and Sen. Mark Amodei, R-Carson City. Washington is the founder and pastor of Center of Hope Christian Fellowship.
By Rhonda Costa-Landers
Appeal Staff Writer
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution allows for free exercise of religion.
With that, the National Day of Prayer has become a day for Christians to organize and gather to pray in support of their community, state, nation, military troops and family.
Thursday is the 57th annual National Day of Prayer. The Carson City Christian Ministerial Fellowship has organized an event to be held at noon on the steps of the State Capitol.
"We are just happy to be there to enjoy the day," said Rev. Dave Goodale, president of the fellowship. "We believe we're blessed by God so we can be a blessing to the world."
Goodale said Mayor Marv Teixeira will be reading his own proclamation for the city, and Gov. Jim Gibbons will read his own proclamation for the state.
Pastors praying for various groups include: Sue Musselman, city/community; Father Chuck Durante, state; Stan Friend, nation.
Music ministry will be under the direction of Rev. Jake Musselman, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be read by 7-year-old Capital Christian Center student Jesse Yi. The national anthem will be sung by the Capital Christian Center ensemble.
Goodale said Rev. and Sen. Maurice Washington will be the special guest and will present a message.
This year's theme - "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield" is based on Psalm 28:7 - "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped."
"We truly are a blessed people," Goodale said. "That's what the day is about. And we ask God to continually bless us so we can bless others."
The Rev. Ken Haskins will give the closing prayer.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force is the "Judeo-Christian expression of the National Day of Prayer," which was established in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.
• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
If you go
WHAT: 57th annual National Day of Prayer
WHEN: Noon, Thursday
WHERE: State Capitol
ALSO: Features reading of city, state proclamations, guest speaker and live music
COST: Free
CALL: 883-3355