The clouds parted and a damp day turned into a sunny evening as the ceremony to commemorate the National Day of Prayer took place Thursday, May 7, at Plyler Park, in Myrtle Beach.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land,” was the prayer offered by Karen Grant Brathwaite from 2 Chronicles 7-14.
Healing, protection, understanding and prayer were the themes expressed as local leaders from all faiths came out to pray for the Myrtle Beach community, government, businesses, families, children, health and education.
“If ever there was a need for prayer, it’s now,” said Myrtle Beach City Councilman Mike Chestnut during the ceremony. “Think about all the good things we could do together,” as he urged “prayer for our nation as a whole.”
Debra Powell and Cynthia Smith, who sat on a park bench together, shared the hope for unity. The two are members of the Church of Christ of the Latter Day Saints and it was the first time either had attended the National Day of Prayer event in Myrtle Beach.
“It has been a nice experience,” Smith said. “Everyone coming together to pray. “I pray for peace and for everybody to get along, for everybody to come together.”
The Rev. Francis Washington of Mt. Olive AME Church delivered a long and impassioned prayer, asking God to “look after and protect our children as they go to and fro.”
The Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir performed after the prayer from Rev. Washington.
Pastor Elizabeth Bowens of Myrtle Beach’s Shields Chapel prayed for pastors and asked they be blessed in administering God’s word to their congregations.
Myrtle Beach City Councilman Mike Lowder prayed for the protection of first responders and law enforcement as they face danger in the daily course of doing their jobs.
“When they leave for work, we pray that they come back home,” Lowder said. “We pray that they make it through their shift.”
Ethan Selph sat in a lounge chair. “I expect different cultures, different religions to come to one place to pray for humanity. Pray for schools, pray for families, pray for churches, government leaders, peace. We’re all getting together in one place. We’re all praying to God.”
Other speakers included: Kelvin Waites, City of Myrtle Beach director of community engagement; April Johnson, City of Myrtle Beach; Jeff Case, Latter Day Saints Myrtle Beach president; Cookie Goings, Myrtle Beach Neighborhood Services; Jim Creel of First Methodist Church; Pastor Bridgett Easton; and Minister Sylvester McCoy.
There was also music performed by: Latter Day Saints Myrtle Beach Stake Choir; and First Methodist Church Youth Choir. A praise dance was performed by Kylie P. and Cali W.
The National Day of Prayer was sponsored by Myrtle Beach City Government’s Neighborhood Services.
