Ogden—On May 6, a National Day of Prayer event was held at the LDS Ogden Tabernacle and sponsored by the Utah Religious Liberty Council. Members from all different faiths came to the event for the same reason: to unite together as one to pray for this great nation in which we live.
Melanie and John Robinson provided prelude music for the event, including the hymn “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” The interfaith choir was led by Stacey Giatras with Holly Sjoblom accompanying them. They sang, “God Bless America” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Doug Clark, and Bill and Dave Fitzgerald sang “Amazing Grace.” Major Joe Huttenlocker of the Ogden Salvation Army gave the opening prayer, and Father Erik J. Richtsteig of the St. James Catholic Church gave the closing prayer.
President Paul Mackley of the LDS Coldwater Stake and a member of the Utah Religious Liberty Council welcomed everyone and talked a little bit about the history of the Day of Prayer and how important it is. He mentioned how we as Americans have the freedom to worship God and how that right should be acknowledged and expressed often.
Pastor Dave Duncan of the Valley View Baptist Church spoke about how prayer, patriotism, freedom, and victory all go together. He said, “Calling out to God is a sign of wisdom and strength, not weakness. Prayer helps us realize our dependence on God. Jesus is not weak, so lean on Him.”
Pastor Duncan gave several examples of people who called out to God to help them through the history of the United States, including the pilgrims and leaders during the American Revolutionary War and World War I. He also asked members of the congregation several questions about prayer, such as “What is the status of our prayer life?” He also talked about how everyone needs prayer and that prayer works. “Prayer is heard by God,” he said. “God will see you through when you pray.”
Utah Attorney General (AG) Sean Reyes was the keynote speaker for the event. He said that prayer is a wonderful thing to celebrate and do. He mentioned how prayer and faith are the foundation and the engines of our country.
“The power of prayer and faith are real,” he said. “Do we pray always or only when we need help?”
AG Reyes also gave a very personal story of how prayer and faith helped him with his mother’s unexpected passing on Easter, as well as how it helped him comfort the parents of a missing girl in Provo, who asked him if he would pray for them and give them a blessing.
“Prayer gives us strength and light,” he said. AG Reyes ended his speech by saying that he is always praying for the citizens of Utah and that it is important for all of us to be on God’s side.
The event came to a close with the congregation joining with the choir in singing the fourth verse of “The Star Spangled Banner,” a fitting way to end since this verse talks a lot about how we as a country should always be praying and thanking God for all that He has given to us.
As Pastor Duncan said, “What has prayer not done?” All one has to do is read the scriptures to see the numerous times and ways that God answers prayers. May our motto always be “In God is our trust,” and may we always remember the power of prayer.
