Hundreds gather across Manatee County for annual National Day of Prayer

MANATEE

Several hundred people gathered for Thursday's National Day of Prayer events across Manatee County with celebrations in the morning at the Palmetto Historical Park and a schoolwide celebration at Bradenton Christian School.

Pastor Jason Lane, of Skyway Community Chapel and chairman of the prayer task force, helped organize the Palmetto event, which featured multilingual prayer services. It was an opportunity, Lane said, to bring the community together in an unique way.

"But most importantly, this day is really about the attention given to Jesus Christ," said Lane. "That's the really special thing. It's an opportunity to pray for the seven centers of influence and bring people together to do that in a way that you can't always do in the church community. I hope an event like this one sparks more than a once-a-year focus." (The seven centers of influence are government, military, business, media, education, church and family).

State Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, said public officials need to proudly proclaim their faith as part of their public service and pray for guidance in making decisions that will ultimately affect those they serve.

"We need to remember how important it is to turn to God in these challenging times," said Galvano. "I want to share a little of my perspective of the need for faith in government."

Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant quoted National Day of Prayer Chairwoman Shirley Dobson, who said: "The trend of removing God from all aspects of American life has become disturbing."

Bryant said she is grateful to live in a country that allows all to assemble to celebrate their faith.

Manatee County School District Superintendent Diana Greene prayed powerfully for the district, educators, parents and especially the 48,000 students.

"May God guide them in the midst of turmoil," said Greene. "There is evil on all sides. Evil of ignorance, evil of bullying, but I know a God who will show us the right way to do it."

Greene prayed more adults will become mentors to the many students facing challenging times.

"We need adults who know God. ... Without God, we will fall as a nation."

Praise and worship began at the Manatee County Courthouse around 11:45 a.m. where several dozen people gathered to acknowledge their faith. Pas

tor Nick Manassa from Resonate Life Church said the day was an opportunity to say Americans are in need of God's presence and guidance.

"God, use us to support one another and not be in competition with one another," he said. "We ask for divine intervention. ... We need You back in control. We need Your help. We are nothing and can do nothing without You."

The entire student body at Bradenton Christian School came together for song and prayer, focusing on the theme verse found in Isaiah 58:1a: Shout it loud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like trumpet.

The students took the call to heart, with preschool students singing, "Jesus Loves Me," and two older students leading the school in other songs, including "Our God."

Each grade level took on a different area to pray for, and representatives students and faculty went down a line sharing their prayers.

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published May 5, 2016 at 11:16 PM with the headline "Hundreds gather across Manatee County for annual National Day of Prayer ."