BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
The city of Starke joined local churches in approving a resolution recognizing the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 1.
Cynthia Ross approached the city commission in April with supporters from many local churches in the crowd after first speaking with Chief Administrative Officer Jimmy Crosby about the resolution.
Ross worships and serves at the Starke Church of God by Faith where James E. McKnight Jr. is pastor. She is part of her church prayer team and the community prayer group that she said evolved during the last Day of Prayer in 2023.
She asked that Starke help host the event at the Downtown Square and approve a resolution in recognition of the National Day of Prayer. The national organization has selected the theme for the 74th annual occasion: Pour out to the God of hope and be filled. From Romans 15: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The National Day of Prayer Observance at the Downtown Square will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 1.
Ross told the commission the point is to pray for our nation, our state, our city and the needs of the people.
“That’s all that we’re about is to help, is to usher in the grace of God over our community and over our nation,” she said.
Multiple churches have participated in hosting prayer events. Some mentioned included First Baptist of Starke, True Vine Ministries, Grace Community Fellowship, New Hope Missionary Baptist and River of Life Church of God. Ross said the events help bring people together despite their differences.
Commissioner Janice Mortimer remarked: “It is so good and refreshing to see such a diverse group of folks coming together in our small little county on one accord, and that is so rewarding of us to be able to participate and support this, because we all need prayer. Whether we realize it or not, we all need prayer.”
The day’s focus will be prayer, although there is likely to be some singing as well. Everyone is welcome to come by, just to drop in or stay and pray all day.
