By Betsy Finklea
It was a time of prayer at noon on Thursday, May 2nd at the steps of the Dillon County Courthouse as several gathered to pray for our county, state, and nation.
The theme of National Day of Prayer is “Lift Up The Word, Light Up The World,” and the scripture is 2 Samuel 22:29-31 which reads “For thou art my lamp, O LORD: And the LORD will lighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop: By my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in him. (KJV)”
The event opened with the blowing of a horn. Rev. James Smith of East Dillon Baptist Church said the horn was used in ancient times to call people together. Rev. Smith then gave the opening prayer. He said those in attendance were called together to worship and honor God. “We’re in a battle against evil,” said Rev. Smith and said that “we stand together as a people of God.” He said the only answer is through the “nail-scarred hands of the Lord Jesus Christ.” He said our nation needs a touch and a move from the Lord Jehovah God. He asked for God’s grace, mercy, and power to anoint Dillon County.
After this prayer, Pastor Raymond Davis of Great Expectations Church led the singing of “Hold Up The Light.”
Dillon County Council Chairwoman Detrice McCollum Dawkins asked for God to show his grace, mercy, and favor on Dillon County and to give the leaders the wisdom and knowledge to lead Dillon County in the right direction.
Latta Mayor Teresa Mason, Dillon Mayor Tally McColl, and Mayor Sterling Lee prayed for their respective communities.
Economic Development Director Rodney Berry thanked God for the abundance he has given Dillon County in so many ways.
Sheriff Jamie Hamilton prayed for law enforcement and first responders.
Chaplain Major David Morgan prayed for veterans and the military.
Various pastors went out into the audience to lead corporate prayer.
Overseer Joseph Graham of New Memorial Temple Church gave the closing prayer. The closing song was “God Bless America” led by Pastor Raymond Davis.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
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