History, tradition and powerful faith at the Ohio Valley’s National Day of Prayer commemorations

(WTRF) — Whether it’s part of your daily routine or something you rarely do, prayer continues to be a uniting force in a divided nation.

It’s provided strength when our future looked the darkest, and today the Ohio Valley showed that it’s still one of our guiding lights.

From the American Revolution to the Civil War to 9/11, prayer hasn’t just guided America: it’s woven into the flag just as much as the 50 stars and 13 stripes.

That’s the idea behind the National Day of Prayer, an official proclamation from the White House every year to unify the country in spirit.

And our area responded to the call, beginning in Wintersville Thursday morning and continuing south.

In Wellsburg’s Kiwanis-sponsored event, a small crowd gathered in the town square to bow their heads for a nation often finding itself in pain and unsure which way to turn.

Pastor Brian Knight looked back in history to show how our founding fathers envisioned a country that would express its faith, beginning with George Washington and his 1783 prayer still read every day at his tomb at Mt. Vernon.

“Prayer for wisdom, prayer for direction, praying that we would be found on God’s side at the end of the day, and that we would not just be wanting God to be on our side.”

Brian Knight, Pastor, Wellsburg Church of the Nazarene

St. Clairsville’s noon commemoration also observed the link between prayer and patriotism, with a flag presentation and singing of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”

Those gathering in front of the courthouse prayed for the military, government leaders, churches, families and the education of our children, breaking off into small groups to reflect on Scripture and see a community in communion with one another.

“Our country needs more of God. We need to be moving in a direction that is more in line with his will.”

Tim Crowley, St. Clairsville attendee

Despite our many differences in faith, for one day the Ohio Valley joined hands with cities from coast to coast to realize that something brings us all together beyond politics.

And from Maine to Hawaii, to remember that we don’t just share the same land…we share an inheritance of faith.

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