National Day of Prayer celebrated in Belvidere

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere DAILY REPUBLICAN
The St. James Primary Choir (K-3rd) performed a medley of songs for the “National Day of Prayer: Pray for Unity” Prayer Breakfast at the Community Complex Building.

Editor

The National Day of Prayer Breakfast at the Community Complex Building kicked off events in Belvidere for the National Day of Prayer. This year’s national focus for prayer is “Unity.” Unity in America; Unity in the church in America; Unity in the families, workplaces, communities, and cities in America; Unity among all ethnicities and people in America; and Unity that we agree for the next great Spiritual awakening in America.

The event began with a presentation of the Colors by the Belvidere Fire Honor Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Fire Chief Al Hyser. Boone County Treasurer Curt Newport asked the Breakfast Blessing for those assembled and Pastor Adam Reardon of the Redemption Church and President of the Belvidere Ministerial Association welcomed everyone and led us in the opening prayer.

The St. James Primary Chorus, Kindergarten through Third Grade performed a medley of songs as directed by Celeste DalPra before Dr. Reverend Robert Kopp of the First Presbyterian Church discussed praying for America. “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” – Ephesians 4:3 as found in the Holy Bible is the starting point for this prayer today.

Next, the Immanuel Lutheran School Chorus of children from Fifth, Seventh and Eighth Grades graced us with song. (Their Sixth Grade class was committed to an event at Walcamp in Kirkland today or they would have been a part of the group.)

Pastor Allan Buss, City of Belvidere Fire Chaplain and Lead Pastor of Immanuel Belvidere discussed the other four focus points for prayer. “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction,” – 1 Corinthians 1:10 was his speaking point for Unity in the church of America.

Unity in the families, workplaces, communities, and cities in America is based on 2 Chronicles 30:12 – “Also, the power of God was at work in Judah to unite them to carry out the command of the king and his officials by the word of the Lord.”

The focus verse for Unity among all ethnicities and people in America is “For He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.” – Ephesians 2:4

“They were all continually united in prayer.” Acts 1:14 asks for agreement among God’s people, that we unite visibly and pray extraordinarily for the next great Spiritual Awakening in America.

Pastor Brian Phillips of the Grove Fellowship, Pastor Dan Pope of Open Bible Church of Belvidere, and Pastor David Smith of Belvidere First Assembly of God prayed for unity and…

For full article pick up the May 9 BDR.