LET US PRAY
Bullard ushers in national tradition
By Lori Mellinger Bullard Banner News

Left, Boy Scout Troop 366 presents colors at the Bullard's first Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, held at Brook Hill. Above, council members Pam Frederick and Rodger Johnson, Mayor Pro- Tem A.W. Hines and City Manager Larry Morgan attend the breakfast. At right, Brennon Ewen leads the audience in song. Below, Lauren Alexander sings the National Anthem.

"There is no separation of church and state in the United States Constitution."

That's what Bullard Mayor Connie Vaughan told the more than 125 attendees at Bullard's first-ever Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.

Vaughan read a proclamation near the beginning of the program, held last Thursday, in junction with National Day of Prayer.

The event, held at the Brook Hill School, hosted a combination of musical tributes -religious and patriotic - as well as a "Season of Prayer," with area ministers praying for national, state and city leaders, as well school leaders, schools, families and churches.

City Manager Larry Morgan welcomed everyone to the event.

"Through the efforts of many in the community, we've come together to do what many other cities are doing - supporting National Day of Prayer with a Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.

"Our hope is that this event brings this already closeknit community together."

The Rev. Donnie Barron echoed his statements in an opening prayer

"We ask that our prayers bring a cohesiveness not only to our nation and our world - but to our community," he said.

The theme of the event - nationwide - was "America, Unite in Prayer," based on the following Biblical scripture:

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their evil ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land," - I Chronicles 7:14

The Boy Scouts of Troup 366 presented the colors and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Local singer and current Texas Top 40 artist, 14-yearold Lauren Alexander sang the National Anthem.

Brennon Ewen led songs of praise, followed by four ministers and Brook Hill Headmaster Rod Fletcher - who each prayed for different factions.

-- Bullard Banner photos by Lori Mellinger

Tom Terry prayed for the president and national leaders, saying, "You can change the hearts of kings."

Kenny Cargill prayed for state and local leaders.

"There are so many people finding Bullard," he said. "And our city council and school board trustees must deal with the struggles of this growth. Give them kind words, vision and grace to keep providing us with a wonderful place to live."

John Davison prayed for families and churches, asking God to "rest His hand on families and churches."

"Give churches the passion to feed their sheep, and raise up leaders in our families giving them passion for you and your word," he said.

Rod Fletcher said our youth are facing difficult times, asking God for his guidance in their lives and for those who educate them.

"We're praying for our young people," he said, "that they will turn from society and seek what is right and true.

"And we pray that our educators seek to train our children - using each of their gifts in a way to honor you."

Bubba Skirlock prayed for the nation's military and continued support.

"Be with them and give them your support," he said. "And I pray we continue to have a nation that is a praying nation."

Barron finished off the prayers asking for God's help.

"Your world, your people, your country and your state need you," he said. "I pray we continue to seek your face."

Following the ceremony, breakfast was served.

The event was free to the public, Morgan said, thanks to those who sponsored the event and shouldered the costs.

Sponsors were: Adams Insurance, Austin Bank, The Brook Hill School, Brookshires, Bullard Chamber of Commerce, Bullard Rotary Club, Clay and Stacey Thompson, Franklin Bank, Rodger Johnson, Sonic, Subway and the Movie Place.

Other participants and volunteers included Bullard City Hall staff, the Brook Hill String Ensemble, Bullard Southern Baptist Church, Carpenter's Cross Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Lauren Alexander, Oak Grove Bible Church and Boy Scout Troup 366.

Above, from left, are the Rev. Donnie Barron, BISD Superintendent Jim Wright, Bullard Mayor Connie Vaughan, City Manager Larry Morgan, and Brook Hill Headmaster Rod Fletcher. Below, members of the Brook Hill Orchestra entertain the audience at the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, while students are on hand to help serve breakfast to those in attendance

This is the 56th year for a set-aside date for national prayer.

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.