The National Day of Pray was held last Thursday, May 5, 2011, on the north side of the Albany square.

The event was once again well attended and was blessed with clear skies and warm weather that allowed organizers to keep the festivities outdoors as planned.

As the program got underway, spectators stood as the Clinton County JROTC presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Several members of the Clinton County High School Band attended the event to play the National Anthem directed by Doug Sell.

C.C.H.S. student Troy Butler was on hand to deliver the opening prayer followed by the welcome address and acknowledgments by NDOP Coordinator Tiffany Peters.

After Peters spoke, Rising Sun Ministries performed songs and brought the crowd up on its feet with their gospel music sounds.

Butler took the stage again to read Megan Norris’ essay written about the National Day of Prayer. Norris was awarded $100 last week for her first place essay.

This year’s guest speaker was Kevin Alexander from Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God. Following Alexander’s words was a offering of communion.

To close the event, speakers emphasized seven points of prayer for seven days a week.

Topics for the “7×7” were government, military, media, business, education, church and family.

Above, a warm, sunny evening was enjoyed by those attending last week’s National Day of Prayer on the courthouse square.

At left, Coordinator Tiffany Peters welcomed the crowd during the early portion of the ceremony. At right, local gospel group Rising Sun brought the crowd to its feet with a performance during Thursday’s gathering.