Plans for prayer event under way
City schedules its first mayor's prayer breakfast
Lori Mellinger Bullard Banner News

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14 (NIV), 2007 them for National Day of Prayer As City Manager Larry Morgan continues to help the council connect with the community, he held a meeting this week to take another step in that direction.

Morgan invited Bert Cooper, former NFLplayer and current director of development for Jacksonville's Baptist Missionary Association, to give area pastors some guidance in holding what the city hopes will be an ongoing tradition: a Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.

Held in conjunction with National Day of Prayer, the breakfast is tentatively set to begin at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, May 3, at The Brook Hill School.

While school headmaster Rod Fletcher wasn't able to attend Monday's planning session, he conveyed to Morgan that he would most likely be able to help the city accommodate the slate of of activities for the event.

With only a few weeks to plan, the Rev. Donnie Barron said the program should be kept simple this year.

Barron has been involved in Tyler's version in the past.

Cooper brought a standard order of service he helped to create in Lone Oak and answered questions.

He was also set to make a presentation at Bullard's monthly council meeting on Tuesday.

Helping with the event is Dewayne Martin from Carpenter's Cross.

Morgan said he had already begun the planning.

"We've contacted 15 churches, and we've gotten some very positive response," he said.

Cooper said the event is a great way to unite the community.

"It's a unique event in that it's not at all political in nature," Cooper said. "We prayer for our nation and leaders, and in the past few years have really put a local focus on it, too, praying for our elected officials and leaders who are close by."

According to Cooper, the event usually calls for each pastor in attendance to pray for about 30-45 seconds.

The event will begin with an opening prayer by the Rev. Barron, singing, presentation of colors by a local boy scout troop, the pledge of allegiance and national anthem, a mayoral proclamation, singing and a concert of prayers by all ministers present.

Concluding the ceremony is closing prayers and song.

The whole event, Morgan and Cooper said, gives everyone a chance to participate and still make it to work in the morning.

For more information, call Bullard City Hall at 903-894- 7223.

The theme for the 56th annual event is: "America, Unite in Prayer" and is based on the verse from II Chronicles 7:14 which states: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." NIV

National Day of Prayer Task Force Chairman Shirley Dobson said "At this crucial time in history, with our armed forces engaged in a desperate struggle in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, we encourage all people of faith to set aside their differences and publicly seek God's wisdom and direction for those in harm's way and for our homes, communities and country.

"Our Founding Fathers recognized the power of prayer and gathered regularly to ask for God's blessing. We can do no less."

Author and pastor Dr. Charles Swindoll is the 2007 Honorary Chairman and will address the national NDP event in Washington, D.C., to be held at the Cannon House Office Building.

To highlight this year's emphasis, Swindoll has released a new edition of his book "Intimacy with the Almighty," which provides personal insights to guide people on their journey of faith. In addition, gospel music sensations Ernie Haase and Signature Sound have recorded "I Pledge My Allegiance," NDP's 2007 theme song.

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress' proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.