Beckley Unites in Prayer: 30 Churches Gather for 13th AnnualNational Dayof Prayer Event

On May 2, 2024, the city of Beckley, West Virginia, comes together for its 13th annual National Day of Prayer event. The 12-hour prayer and worship gathering, held at Word Park, brings 30 churches from the community under the theme "Lift Up the Word - Light Up the World."

Why this matters: This event highlights the importance of unity and community in a time of division and strife, demonstrating the power of collective prayer and worship in bringing people together. This event highlights the importance of unity and community in a time of division and strife, demonstrating the power of collective prayer and worship in bringing people together. It also underscores the significance of faith in American culture and its role in shaping the nation's values and principles.

The event, which begins at 8 A.M. and lasts until 7 P.M., provides each participating church with around 20 minutes to deliver a sermon, lead a hymn, or have their congregation offer prayers. This annual gathering has been a staple in Beckley since 2011, although the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to reduce the event's duration from 24 hours to 12 hours.

Jill Moorefield, Director of Beckley Events, emphasizes the sense of unity and community that the National Day of Prayer event fosters. "[It's nice to see] all the churches in our community coming together and offering scriptures, saying a prayer, singing a song, and just praying for our community and our nation," Moorefield says.

Bishop Timothy Schofield, one of the event's participants, emphasizes the importance of prayer and its role in bringing about change. "It's necessary that we come together in prayer, because, first of all, it recognizes God and it puts us in his divine care. We seek him for all things, and the best way to bring about change is through prayer,"Schofield says.

The National Day of Prayer, observed annually on the first Thursday of May, is a tradition that dates back to 1952 when President Harry S. Truman signed a joint resolution by Congress. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed an amended law designating the day as a time for people of all faiths to pray in their own way.

As Beckley's 13th annual National Day of Prayer event demonstrates, the tradition continues to bring people together, promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose. The gathering at Word Park serves as a demonstration of the community's faith and its commitment to lifting up prayers for the nation and the world.

Key Takeaways

• Beckley, WV hosts 13th annual National Day of Prayer event on May 2, 2024.
• 30 churches unite for 12-hour prayer and worship gathering at Word Park.
• Event promotes unity and community in a time of division and strife.
• National Day of Prayer is an annual tradition dating back to 1952.
• Event aims to bring about change through collective prayer and worship.