The Canastota Area Association of Churches observed the National Day of Prayer last Thursday, May 5, with an evening gathering at Believers Chapel.
The Canastota event was one of 3,500 such events held in communities across the nation that day with the theme “Wake Up America!” and was open to the public.
The local gathering followed an outline of prayer focuses used nationwide, centering on the needs of our nation as it approaches our upcoming elections this fall.
In one unique segment here, people in attendance gathered around a group of teens and prayed for the needs of youth locally and across the nation, in recognition of the challenges they face every day.
Other focuses included improving business prospects, strengthening families, and protection for our armed forces and local first responders who daily face dangers on the nation’s behalf.
The Canastota Association of churches holds quarterly Concerts of Prayer to take areas of concern before God. These meetings rotate among the eleven member churches and have been going on for over two years, helping to build a sense of unity among local Christians. Plans are underway to hold the next quarterly event in conjunction with the 9-11 anniversary this coming Sunday, Sept. 11.