The National Day of Prayer took place on May 5, but this year’s event had a little extra to offer in Howard County. More than 100 worshippers gathered on the courthouse square in downtown Kokomo, despite the rain and cold, and the got more than they expected.
The event began with the blowing of a shofar, or ram’s horn, which is an important ritual in the Jewish faith. Historically, it signifies the beginning or conclusion of a Jewish holy event or period of worship, such as Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur.
This was followed by a song of praise and worship, “Make Us One,” performed by Evelyn Oglesby, and a welcome from Pastor Sharon Reed, chairwoman for the National Day of Prayer event in Howard County.
Little did Reed know that someone had a surprise waiting for her. Late in the event, Mayor Tyler Moore interrupted the proceedings to deliver a special gift – the key to the city.
“Cities and kingdoms were built with fortresses around them, secured by a gate,” said Moore. “And only those who were trusted by the cities and kingdoms were givens keys to the gate. That practice continued through the ages, and today I’d like to take an opportunity to recognize a trusted individual in our community.
“Rev. Dr. Michael Carson reached out to me and mentioned that maybe this individual, as trusted as she is, should be given a key to the city, and I wholeheartedly agreed.”
The presentation took nothing away from the event, however, as much prayer was offered.
“There is no better place to be than at the altar of God,” said Bishop Romon Oglesby of the Great Faith Christian Center.
Bishop Oglesby delivered the message at the event, speaking on the importance of prayer.
“What is this thing that we are called to do?” asked the bishop. “What does prayer have to do with it? We understand it only took a minute or less to receive Christ, but the requirement is that we walk day by day in Him.
“We could hinge all our experience with God on one moment at the altar, but for me, the greater good is I have a life and legacy of walking with Him. Allow it to be a constant flow of moments when God is revealing Himself.
“Prayer becomes an extension and catalyst by which we receive the grace of God. You have to stay in constant conversation, maintain interaction. Prayer becomes the most important part of the Christian reality. If there is a successful Christian life, it has to be founded in prayer.”
In that spirit, prayers were given for different segments of the community, with a different representative praying for each. Government, the military, first responders, schools, the church, families, the community, the media, and business each received a prayer.