Vermont’s National Day of Prayer Thursday Celebrated Unity and Faith
by Pastor Leo Benjamin, MyFaithNews
On the first Thursday of May, the United States marks the National Day of Prayer, a tradition inviting people of all denominational backgrounds to pray for the nation. Established in 1952 by Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, this day highlights the vital role of prayer in American life. It honors the religious freedom enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
In Vermont, this particular day unites communities in a powerful display of faith and unity. This year, the Vermont Statehouse lawn was bustling with people from across the state, including some from as far as Newport, coming together to pray and worship. The event was organized by Ray and Cathy Williams, state coordinators for the National Day of Prayer and leaders of the Vermont Prayer Force.
Ray described the day’s events: “Cathy and I organize this yearly. It was particularly inspiring this time, with a remarkable session of worship led by a young, talented musician named Jessica Letourneau, who is only 21 years old. We also had four speakers who guided us in prayer, focusing on different themes and taking time to pray for our state leaders and the overall well-being of Vermont.”
The day was filled with meaningful proclamations and reaffirmations of faith. “We revisited and reasserted several declarations and decrees that prophetic leaders have made over Vermont in the past,” Ray said. “It was a day to renew those commitments, offering blessings for our governor and promoting positive visions for our legislators.” The atmosphere was hopeful, reflecting a communal desire to impact positively.
Beyond the gathering in Montpelier, there were more than 20 other events across Vermont as part of the National Day of Prayer. This non-denominational Christian group of believers focuses on supporting each other through prayer. “We’re excited to be part of this larger community, coming together to support our state and nation through prayer,” added Ray enthusiastically.
The National Day of Prayer is more than just individual prayers; it’s about the collective impact of these prayers. It showcases the rich diversity of American religious life and serves as a reminder of the unity shared faith and community action can bring about. For Vermont, it was a day of spiritual renewal and a demonstration of its people’s enduring spirit and commitment to their faith and community.
The author is pastor of the Church of the Crucified One in Moretown and publisher of MyFaithNews.
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Categories: Faith
What a wonderful event. We only need to turn our direction toward truth, love and forgiveness…….toward Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit fill our families, neighbors and nation, may we hear his words. TGBTG
In Jesus’s name, amen!!!
The sooner people accept that a invisible make believe friend cannot fix our problems the sooner they can get to work on them.
Historically, humans thinking they can evolve into a peaceful and loving species, with each doing what is right in their own eyes, has proven to be folly: and the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Imagine all of us living with no heaven or hell, just living for the day. It’s worked out well, hasn’t it?
I’ve said those words myself and meant it.
Sadly, I hadn’t read, nor did I even understand why reading the bible would be of any use in my life. If you look at countries who say follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and those who ban the teachings of Jesus Christ, you’ll find a remarkable difference, it is but one comparison.
The NLT, Life Applications Study Bible is a wonderful start into anyone’s reading, perhaps starting with the Luke, John, then Acts, Romans,
If you read into Deuteronomy, you may find that interesting too.
The Judeo-Christian teachings are the foundation for Western civilization, some might say our faults are due to our veering from the truth and wisdom outlined within the pages of the good book.
If you look at parts of our country that are least “religious” whatever that may mean, you’ll find Washington D.C and Vermont are tops on the list. If so, then why have we any problems at all?
May you seek the truth with an open heart and mind, you may be surprised at where it leads you, I certainly was.
TGBTG
Great point. And not only do Vermont & DC harbor so many escalating problems despite having hoisted God and Judeo-Christian values out, but another question remains as to why there remain so many “proud”, seemingly “victorious” atheists so furious still with those who remain tried & true to their faith?
I mean, most don’t believe that the earth is flat or that the US never landed on the moon, yet the masses aren’t chronically railing against those who do believe those things. So, what could be the reason behind the constant resentment and furor and tirades against the religious? It is but the fact that God created humankind in His image and without God there remains no acknowledgement or pursuit of eternal life, no regard for soulful fulfillment that government or personal power or success or even family can fulfill, and certainly no real rational for life or living itself – resulting in our arrogant and detestable endorsements of abortion, euthanasia, and avoidable wars.