Christians gather for prayer in Ashtabula

Warren Dillaway, Star Beacon, Ashtabula, Ohio
·2 min read

May 3—ASHTABULA — A group of Christians gathered on Thursday to participate in the National Day of Prayer experience at Veterans Memorial Park.

"We may be small in numbers but mighty in spirit," said Rev. Joe Woods of First Baptist Church in Ashtabula.

Woods led the service with Rev. Jeff Stoll, a retired United Methodist pastor and chaplain serving Ashtabula County Medical Center.

The day of prayer was in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer celebrating 73 years of prayer in early May of each year. The theme for the 2024 edition of the event is "Lift up the World, Light up the World."

Participants read responsively with the two leaders and sang "My Country tis of Thee" and "America the Beautiful".

"This is a day we have been told to pray for our country," Woods said.

Stoll prayed for those who are homeless and facing other needs throughout Ashtabula County. "We just pray for all the needs," he said.

Woods prayed for the challenges facing society. He asked God for a spiritual renewal and urged those in attendance to serve in the community.

Woods also prayed for local leaders urging them to put the needs of people ahead of self. "Don't let power and money be their [goals]," he said.

Stoll also prayed for state and federal leaders

Woods gave out bookmarks with a the 2024 National Prayer printed out. "Forgive us for the times we have been the absence of light, allowing darkness to dwell in America. Lead us forward to dispel the darkness and bring light throughout the church, family, education, business, government, and arts, entertainment and media," Woods said while reading the prayer.

The National Day of Prayer was instituted by President Harry S. Truman in July 4, 1952. The event was later moved to the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.

Area Christians had numerous events scheduled for Thursday and the Ashtabula County Concerts of Prayer breakfast is scheduled for 7 a.m. this morning at Eagleville Bible Church with Jefferson Area High School graduate Matt Wintz as the main speaker.

Wintz is a meteorologist at WKYC in Cleveland.