Citizens gathered Thursday at City Hall for National Day of Prayer May 6, 2021. Local religious leaders as well as Mayor Humason attended. (MARC ST. ONGE/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
WESTFIELD-Approximately 100 local residents came together as a prayerful community on the evening of May 6 at City Hall to mark the observance of the National Day of Prayer.
“Over the years we have met at other places, including the Green, but it was too noisy with all of the traffic,” said Pastor David Young of the Westfield Evangelical Free Church. “Some years we have had good turnouts, other years we have had smaller groups.”
Young noted that the church hasn’t conducted annual National Day of Prayer events, however, when it was brought to his attention last Saturday there weren’t any planned observances in the city, he decided to spread the word.
Residents pray with local religious leaders at Thursday’s National Day of Proayer. (MARC ST. ONGE/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
“It was a last-minute decision,” said Young. “I called pastors I know and invited them to bring their church members and join us.”
The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation,” according to Wikipedia. The president is required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.
The National Day of Prayer shares common roots with the celebration of Thanksgiving, since both were national proclamations establishing a day of prayer, according to Wikipedia. In the New England Colonies under British rule, traditional observances in late fall called for prayer and thanksgiving, while observances in the spring or summer called for prayer and fasting. President Abraham Lincoln established the official Thanksgiving holiday in 1863 and President Harry S. Truman established the spring observance in 1952 as the National Day of Prayer.
Religious leaders at Thursday’s National Prayer Day event at City Hall: Pastor Merle Beal of Community Church of Westfield; Pastor Wayne Hartsgrove of New Life Christian Center; Pastor Walter Czerniejewski of Full Gospel Church; and Pastor David Young of the Westfield Evangelical Church. (MARC ST. ONGE/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
The theme of this year’s gathering was “Lord pour out Your Love, Life, and Liberty.”
“We divided into groups, prayed, and people did that gladly,” said Young, adding, “our country needs it.”
Young added “everybody was positive and glad to be there.”
Young noted that approximately 25 members from the Westfield Evangelical Free Church attended the gathering, including Elicia Roy.
“In these times of uncertainty, I felt it important to gather with others in order to pray for our nation,” said Roy. “It was an opportunity to unite and believe for authentic spiritual renewal, so that our country experiences the living hope that only God can bring.”
Among the several local churches represented at the gathering was New Life Christian Center.
“We need divine guidance from God for our nation which is in desperate need on so many levels,” said Pastor Wayne Hartsgrove, adding, “Prayer is powerful!”
Pastor Merle Beal of the Community Church of Westfield shared a similar sentiment.
“What an awesome time gathering with others and praying for our local city, state, and national leaders,” said Beal. “It was a privilege to go before our God and Lift these leaders up. May God bless them and our nation.”
Wally Czerniejewski, senior pastor at the Full Gospel Church of Westfield, was also among the attendees.
Participants in the day of prayer hold hands. (MARC ST. ONGE/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
“I participated in tonight’s prayer event because it is a national day of prayer and our country needs help and a sense of direction and looks like without God we are unable to do it,” said Czerniejewski. “We need to return to Godly principles so God can bless our country. I love this country very much.”
Leo Shut of the Full Gospel Church was also present with family members.
“I participated with my family to intercede with other believers for our nation, all those in authority, and the people,” said Shut. “Believing that if we humble ourselves, pray and seek His face, our Almighty God will hear and forgive our sins and heal our land, just as His Word says.”
Tanya Shvyryd, also of the Full Gospel Church, chose to attend the gathering because “I love and cherish this nation.”
“It was powerful to unite in this prayer event and pray for our country, elected officials, and surrounding communities,” said Shvyryd. “May God bless and heal our land!”
Bill Schneeloch, congregational president for St. John’s Lutheran Church, also attended the prayer gathering.
“First and foremost, I believe in the power of prayer,” said Schneeloch. “Where there is opportunity to gather together to pray, I can’t think of anything more important to do.”
Schneeloch added it was “heartwarming” to see so many area residents from different churches together for the common purpose of prayer.
“Too often we get caught up in minor differences between our individual churches and miss the fact that we have so much in common when we come together in prayer,” said Schneeloch.
