By Betsy Finklea
The annual National Day of Prayer observance was held on Thursday, May 4, at the Dillon County Courthouse.
The event was sponsored by Dillon County Ministerial Alliance.
Rev. Leo Chapman of Bethel A.M.E. Church welcomed those in attendance. He said that he thanked God that we have the opportunity to come together and pray. He said the world needs the Lord. He referenced 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (KJV). Rev. Chapman said if we do our part, God will do his part. This year’s theme was “Four Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us… Forgive Us… Heal Us!” The verse was Daniel 9:19 – “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake. O My God.”
Rev. Matt Adams of Dillon Presbyterian Church prayed the official National Day of Prayer prayer written by Anne Graham Lotz.
Jon Whisnand of Dillon First Baptist Church sang the national anthem.
Rev. Ron Taylor of the Pee Dee Baptist Association gave the prayer for churches and spiritual awakening.
Overseer Joseph Graham of New Memorial Temple of Christ gave the prayer for family, home, marriage, and parents.
Whisnand then sang “America the Beautiful”.
Rev. James Smith of East Dillon Baptist Church gave the prayer for leaders.
Whisnand then sang another selection.
Rev. Dickie Cullum, pastor of Dillon First Baptist Church, gave the benediction..