National Day of Prayer continues in Lewis County (West Virginia)

Held in the second-floor meeting room usually occupied by the Lewis County Commission, the 1 1/2-hour service included Scripture readings and prayers about seven centers of influence: government, media, military, family, church, education and business.

“It’s time for the church to rise up and show the love of Christ,” Rev. Kathy Elis said before she began the service by playing “Did you Think to Pray?” and two other worship songs on guitar. “I think it’s time together to come together and show the love of Christ. He is a great and mighty God, and I am glad that I got the revelation of who God is.”

Jason Skagg, pastor of Broad Run Baptist Church in Jane Lew, preached from Ephesians 6 before leading the national prayer. Godfrey said groups across the nation aimed to recite the prayer at noon.

Prayers were also led by other local pastors, including First Baptist Church of Weston’s Mark Evans, Message of Light Tabernacle’s Bob Hoover, retired United Methodist Pastor Russell Furr, Baptist Minister Allen Burnsworth and Vandalia Community Christian Church’s Charlie Barrett, as well as Del. Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis.

It was the third time Burnsworth has chosen to pray for the military. The former soldier said he is thankful for the active duty and retired military, as well as local police and sheriff’s officers.

“The biggest military in the world is God’s army,” Burnsworth said. “Let’s put on the full armor of God. I challenge every person in every church to go into the world and preach the Gospel. God does not give us fear; He gives us strength.”

Furr, who prayed for education, said his first-grade teacher was a role model for him.

Barrett held a full deck of campaign mailers while preaching for and joking with the audience about government leaders. Barrett said none of the mailers took a stance on religion, but that he would.

“A healthy, strong family is an essential part of our lives,” Burkhammer said before his prayer. “I believe if we want strong churches, we need strong and healthy families. If we want to improve the education system, we need strong and healthy families. If we want strong communities, it starts with a strong and healthy family.”

Godfrey played the Celtic harp as Pastor Dave Riddle led communion and the benediction.

“God needs to hear our prayers,” Riddle said. “We celebrate and recognize what He did for us.”

Evans thanked Godfrey, Lewis County Christian Alliance President Sarah Weaver and others for coordinating Thursday’s event.

A national broadcast was also livestreamed Thursday evening.