National Day of Prayer brings encouraging words

As a red-tailed hawk soared above the State Capitol and noise from traffic along South Carson Street broke the peace of the afternoon, more than 100 people gathered at the Capitol steps for the 57th annual National Day of Prayer.

"God listens to our problems and gives us strength," said the Rev. Maurice Washington, a state senator.

"As David said in the Bible, 'I will call on Him the rest of my life.'"

Dave Goodale, president of the Carson City Christian Ministerial Fellowship, organized the annual day of prayer event. Fellowship members prayed for the city,

community, military, state and national leaders.

Mayor Marv Teixeira and Gov. Jim Gibbons each read proclamations.

"It is my honor to read the state proclamation," Gibbons said to the welcoming crowd.

"May we always be a people of joy, of welcome and of gratitude," said Father Chuck Durante as he prayed for the state of Nevada.

Eleven-year-old Ryan West of Carson City, a 6th-grade student at Capital Christian School, said he had special prayers.

"I prayed for my family, and friends who are going through hard times. I think prayer helps."

Zeke O'Kelley, 14, an 8th-grade-student at Capital Christian School, attended the ceremony with his class.

"I did say prayers for my family and military," Zeke said. "My family is in the military."

Carson City resident Michele Sharp, 63, has attended every National Day of Prayer event since they were first organized in Carson City.

"Our country is in such despair, I thought where is there a better place and time for prayer, for our governor and leaders and the conditions we are going through," Sharp said.

"I have a feeling of hope, and the one thing I can do as an individual is pray. I can be a part of this and walk away with hope."

As he lifted the Bible in his right hand into the air, Washington encouraged the crowd to shout, "Hallelujah!" He then read from the book of Psalms and reminded all it's a privilege to go to God for prayer; that our (nation's and personal) problems are not exclusive; that the people will be preserved through the grace of God; and to pray, as God hears our prayers.

"Every day should be a day of prayer," Washington said.

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