Prayers Rise Over Butler County
Butler County High School seniors Lily Glass and Evan Cooley participated in the National Day of Prayer ceremony on May 7 at the Butler County Courthouse lawn. Glass prayed for Morgantown Elementary and North Butler Elementary schools, while Cooley prayed for Butler County Middle School and Butler County High School. PHOTO | Beverly Bonilla
Story and Pictures by Beverly Bonilla
Under beautiful sunny skies and perfect 63-degree weather, the 75th Annual National Day of Prayer was held on Thursday, May 7, on the lawn of the Butler County Courthouse.
This year’s theme for the National Day of Prayer was “Glorify God among the nations seeking Him in all generations” taken from 1 Chronicles 16:24. Community members, local leaders, pastors, students and families gathered to lift prayers for the churches, government, military, education, schools, media, families and businesses.
Becky Hankins welcomed everyone and shared the history of the National Day of Prayer. She explained that in 1952, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a National Day of Prayer to be observed on July 4th but many years later President Ronald Reagan designated the first Thursday in May as the official annual observance. Hankins also noted that this year marks both the 250th birthday of America and the 75th year of the National Day of Prayer, making the occasion even more meaningful.
Gina Tynes came forward to read scripture as attendees listened quietly. Throughout the event, many bowed their heads in prayer while others joined hands with family and friends.
Franklin Wiggins, Crossland Community Church/Morgantown campus pastor, provided music during the service and later gave the benediction. His words encouraged those gathered to remain faithful and continue praying for the nation and community.
Several individuals were invited to lead prayers over different areas of life and services. Brother Woody Moore, pastor of Christ Covenant Church, offered prayer for churches and spiritual leaders. Butler County Judge Executive Tim Flener prayed for local, state, and national government leaders, asking for wisdom, strength, and guidance.
Karrie H. Morris, a military medic who has served in hospitals and clinics and is also a military spouse and mother of servicemen, prayed for members of the military, veterans and their families.
Butler County Schools Superintendent Robert Tuck prayed for education, teachers, staff, and administrators throughout the county. Lily Glass, a senior at Butler County High School who plans to attend WKU and major in elementary education, prayed specifically for Morgantown Elementary and North Butler Elementary schools. Evan Cooley, also a senior at Butler County High School with plans to major in nursing at WKU, prayed for Butler County Middle School and Butler County High School.
Larry Castro, program director and host of “Afternoons with Larry” on Christian Family Radio, prayed for the media and communication outlets across the nation, asking that truth and encouragement be shared. Wayne Burden prayed for families, emphasizing the importance of strong homes, marriages, children and future generations. Tabby Daugherty, owner of P-31 and employee of Recovery Plus, prayed for local business, employers, and workers throughout the community.
The gathering served as a reminder of faith, unity, and hope within the Butler County community. As the event closed, Franklin Wiggins thanked everyone for attending and participating and encouraged those present to continue praying daily.
