astor Adam Carrigan of Bethel Baptist Church acknowledged that the word corona — as in the novel coronavirus — means crown.
But he reminded area live stream viewers of the Bartholomew County National Day of Prayer service Thursday evening that the COVID-19 pandemic is hardly supreme.
“Ultimately, it does not rule over us,” Carrigan said.
His remarks came near the beginning of the hour-long service that unfolded with only a small group of speakers from various churches and ministries and local worship leader Dale Sechrest at Blessed Life Fellowship in downtown Columbus. The local celebration of the National Day of Prayer has been held since 1992 in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings — but never amid anything quite like the current atmosphere that has limited large gatherings and church services.
Hence, the need for Facebook live-streaming and a live broadcast from local southern gospel radio station WYGS 91.1 FM.
When area school children attended in the mid-1990s, estimated crowds swelled to more than 1,000 people spilling beyond the City Hall lawn. The event regularly has attracted Christians from a broad range of denominations.
Congress established the national day and celebration in 1952.
The theme for such gatherings held nationwide this year was “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth” from Habakkuk 2:14.
But much of the focus of the latest prayers offered understandably was on God’s intervention amid the medical crisis that has dominated headlines, shuttered businesses and restaurants for considerable time, and stolen lives and jobs.
Mayor Jim Lienhoop’s proclamation near the event’s opening put a spiritual perspective on the pandemic.
“It cannot change the power of prayer,” said Lienhoop’s declaration read by Pastor Andy Kilps of Hope Moravian Church.
Prayer at the gathering was linked to the various biblical names of God. Alison Simo, a registered nurse who is a part of Columbus Baptist Church, prayed for front-line workers such as medical personnel to one known in Scripture as Jehovah Rapha, or God the healer.
“As they work to cure, to speak, to soothe, to touch, and to heal in the power of the Holy Spirit, may they be renewed in their commitment to service in the health care ministry,” Simo said in her petition. “Lay your gentle hand upon each of them as they touch others with your presence.”
Tracey Pike is education director of the local Clarity ministry that coordinates an outreach of everything from sexuality education to pregnancy services. Her prayer centered on God as a source of peace — and God as a source for people discovering what she termed “our inestimable value.”
“It is the understanding of our value (to you) that is the foundation of our mental and emotional health,” Pike prayed. “And, oh Lord, how we need you to stabilize our mental and emotional health at this time.”
High school student Quincy East, part of Come As You Are Ministries, prayed to one the Bible calls “God who is present” for those amid emotional turmoil.
“I want to pray for anyone struggling, Lord … that you just comfort them in this time, as COVID-19 has affected so many people,” East prayed. “It has been so hard for some. And I ask that you touch each and every one of them — and everyone from those in nursing homes to young people of the next generation struggling with depression.
“Give them an understanding that you are here with them.”
