DAY OF PRAISE AND THANKS … Rev. Janice Desterhaft shared how wonderful it is that the 14th anniversary of her being ordained falls on the National Day of Prayer and shared how grateful she is to be able to help the people of this community spiritually. She prayed using her “BLESS” prayer plan, which she shared anyone can use to pray when they don’t know where to start.
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
Christians of many denominations gathered together in the fellowship hall beneath St. Paul’s Methodist Church on Broad Street in Montpelier, glad to cast aside denominational differences to gather together in prayer over the community and nation.
This year’s theme was “lift up the Word, light up the world,” which was inspired by II Samuel 22:29-31 :
“For you are my lamp, O’ Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God -His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.”
After enjoying a spread of breakfast sweets and fruit, House of Prayer’s Ranae’ Heeres began a musical call to worship, which found everyone in the room raising their voices in unison to support the betterment of America.
St. Paul’s Methodist Church’s Rev. Kevin Doseck welcomed everyone, and shared how grateful the Ministerial Association is for the support of the local government, welcoming local officials to the celebration.
Included in this welcoming was Mayor Yagelski, who brought NDP Task Force Committee member GayLynn Harris up front to share how appreciative the community is of the Ministerial Association, and then read the National Day of Prayer proclamation out loud.
GayLynn Harris then introduced and welcomed keynote speaker, local business owner, and councilor to Montpelier Village, Nathan Thompson up to the podium.
He shared that, working in the business of funeral directing his whole life, he and the last three generations of his family have had to learn how to best navigate grief alongside the community, “offering our strength in time of people’s greatest weakness.”
He prayed that everyone may find the strength to be kind and supportive, and that those in his industry may continue to be blessed with the strength to provide “a shoulder to lean on” while those in the community grieve.
Ranae’ Heeres then began this year’s theme song, “Heal Our Land,” before Montpelier Village Councilman and Church of Christ member Chris Kannel began praying over government officials.
He prayed that the government makes decisions that lead to lives filled with peace, quiet, and safety, and that they may have “the discernment and knowledge to do what is right, and not what is convenient.”
He prayed that they choose the right battles to fight, and work on raising the next generation in a better world.
Zion Lutheran Church’s Deacon Eric Frank prayed over the churches and clergy, hoping that they may use them as mouthpieces, and prayed for the success of mentors, missionaries, the poor, marginalized, and suffering.
St. Paul’s Methodist Church’s Rev. Kevin Doseck prayed over the world’s warriors, “who are called to serve an idea greater than themselves,” and sacrifice to protect the ideas they hold dear.
He prayed over those that serve, those that are in combat, and the families of those impacted by their service.
House of Prayer Pastor Benaiah Harris prayed over marriage and families, sharing how this is “a grace filled community.”
He prayed that the community have grace for one another, and that families and marriages come closer together. He shared that while there are some examples of wonderful relationships, it is all too often that the youths of this community are without male mentorship and prayed that community men find it within themselves to spend more time mentoring and loving on their children.
He prayed that mothers and fathers can “come alongside one another to mentor and love” the kids of this community, and that positive mentors can help to fill the spaces left vacant to the kids of this community by toxic and misguided parents.
First Presbyterian Church’s Rev. Janice Desterhaft then stood at the podium, sharing how wonderful it was that the 14th anniversary of her being ordained fell on the National Day of Prayer.
She thanked the community for their support of Lifewise and teaching the children the way of God before sharing her personal prayer plan, “BLESS” where you pray over one’s Body, Living, Emotional state, Social wellbeing, and Spiritual enlightenment.
She prayed following that plan for the students and teachers, wishing them enough energy, support, nutrients, and patience for the remainder of the school year.
River of Life Pastor Homer Miller prayed over the media, sharing that the “truth will set you free.”
Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s Pat Warner prayed over the area businesses and workplaces, praying that employees provide quality work and that bosses have the integrity to pay employees well despite this current tough economy.
Worship services then concluded with everyone joining in song to “God Bless America.”
