Posted: 5/4/06
NB community gathers on National Day of Prayer
 The group joined in singing ìLet There Be Peace on Earth.î |
By MaryHelen Swanson
Early on the day our nation set aside for unified prayer, several dozen people gathered at the Legion hall in North Branch to start their day with a conversation with God.
They came from churches, government, agencies, businesses and from their homes and offices.
Acknowledging that there are many differences among the people of our communities, Pastor Kevin Haseltine of Abundant Life Church said,
ìPray that we love one another deeper than our differences are.î
With a tight schedule for her day, May 4, Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer made an early appearance speaking briefly to those gathered, sharing her own faith. She said those in government do care about the people they serve. ìWe pray for you,î she said.
She also noted that while prayer is important, it doesnít mean all our prayers will be answered.
As Kiffmeyer rushed off to an engagement in Mankato, Mayor Gloria Karsky said it was wonderful that people in government can freely share their faith.
The mayor went on to say that it is important to treat each other with respect and human decency.
Following the meal, the group raised their voices in the singing of ìLet There Be Peace on Earth.î
Pastor Haseltine then prayed for our cities, schools, families, safety of all, that crime would be low, for those with addictions, for the local and national governments, for the President of the United States and the office of the President, that morality be restored in our nation and that all those in attendance could go out and have a better day.
His prayer concluded with a plea to God that He ìcome and work in our lives, our nation, our world and our community.î
Pastor Frank Gomes of NorthBrook Fellowship Church thanked Mayor Karsky for being the leader in coordinating the prayer breakfast.
He closed the gathering admonishing all to go out and make a difference and concluded with this scripture: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in meóput it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:4-20)
Attendees had been encouraged to write special requests which the local ministerium would include in their prayers as they came together later that day.
The prayer requests included: prayers for single parents, for youth, drug issues in the community - for a drug-free county, for a safe Prom, for the men and women in the military and their families, for government leaders, for safety of the children, for people dealing with cancer, for local business people, for public services, for healing, for the new nursing home facility, for those in poverty, for community unity, and following the theme of the morning, that people recognize the good and positive qualities in each other in spite of their differences.
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