Once a year, millions of people across the country join in offering prayers for, among other things, government officials. Lord knows they need it.

In observance of the 63rd annual National Day of Prayer, Cape First and St. Andrew churches in Cape Girardeau will host prayer services at 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively, on Thursday, May 1.

The Rev. Paul Short of St. Andrew Church said the goal of the services is to bring people together, "not shaking angry fists at one another, but raising hands to God."

National Day of Prayer is not specific to one religion, but instead encourages all Americans to remember that they are "one nation, under God, indivisible." This year's national theme is 'One Voice, United in Prayer."

Event coordinator Gwen Bennett explained that the services are designed to encourage people to pray, not for a specific political agenda.

"We have basically worked to organize two opportunities for residents of the Cape/Jackson area to pray for the direction of our country," Bennett said.

The evening service will include patriotic music followed by light refreshments.

"We will be led in prayer and then have silent prayer, and the patriotic songs will be in between," Bennett said. "That way, we hope individuals will be able to express themselves silently to God."

Several institutions in particular are traditionally the focus of the National Day of Prayer services. Insituations such as the military, schools, the media and all levels of government are examples.

"We're praying for the individuals who hold these types of positions, that they will be guided by the spirit of influence," he said, "so that we can all do the best we can to become the type of nation that God can direct us to be."

Romans 15:6 was chosen as this year's Scripture passage. It works in concert with the theme, stating, "So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The recent health care discussion has many Americans concerned about the state of the religious freedoms that were instrumental in the nation's birth. Bennett explained that National Day of Prayer represents an opportunity for citizens to put their hope in God.

"Any government is an instrument of God," Paster Short said. "Part of being a responsible citizen is doing what you can to ensure the integrity of that government. We want to ask God to grant his blessing on our government."

National Day of Prayer services have been held in Cape Girardeau for more than 15 years and have regularly drawn several hundred attendants. Short and Bennet expect a similar turnout this year, since people have two opportunities to attend services.

tgraef@semissourian.com

Pertinent address:

Cape First 254 S Silver Springs Rd, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703

St. Andrew Church 804 N Cape Rock Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701