National Day of Prayer celebrated locally at Freeman Corner

Pastor Chris Thomas opened up Thursday’s National Day of Prayer at Freeman Corner by praying for the community.

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – National Day of Prayer was celebrated locally in LaFollette on Thursday at noon at Freeman Corner. It is an annual event observed in the U.S. when people of various faiths and all walks of life come together in prayer.

Thursday’s event at Freeman Park was organized by Nancy Thompson and Pam Myers. This is the first time the event has been held at Freeman Corner. 

“We need to remember that God blesses our prayers and we wanted to organize this event to give people the opportunity to come together in prayer for our community, our county and our country,” Myers said.

Several pastors and around 20 community members gathered at the park to pray for Campbell County. 

Pastor Chris Thomas opened the ceremony with a welcoming prayer for the event, as well as a prayer for the community as a whole. He said special prayers for those in the community battling addiction. 

Whitney McCready delivered a prayer for family and education, asking for blessings on teachers, students, administrators and the entire school system.

Pam Myers co-organized Thursday’s National Day of Prayer event at Freeman Corner. The 10-year Cancer survivor delivered a special prayer on healing for the community.

Myers, co-organizer for the event and a “10-year Cancer survivor” delivered a special prayer on healing for the community for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing.

Hester Muse delivered a prayer for the businesses and government of the county. 

Pastor Roger Hatmaker prayed for the military and public servants in the community. 

“This shouldn’t just be a one-day event; we should pray like this every day,” Hatmaker said.

He prayed for the safety of law enforcement and first responders and other public servants.

He prayed for the military and for there to be peace.

“The only way for peace is when the powers that be seek out God. No man needs to die, no prison needs built if we would stay with the Lord,” Hatmaker said.

Pastor Billy Smith closed out the prayer ceremony with a prayer circle and a blessing. 

Pastor Billy Smith closed out Thursday’s National Day of Prayer ceremony held at noon at Freeman Park. 

The National Day of Prayer dates back to 1952, when a joint resolution of the United States Congress established it. In 1988, President Reagan set that day as the first Thursday in May. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/03/2024-6AM)