Eight pastors representing six local churches recently participated in a National Day of Prayer service at First Baptist Church, 17419 N. Conquistador Drive. The national theme for the 2024 NDOP was “Lift Up the Word and Light Up the World,” taken from 2 Samuel 22:29-31 in the Bible.

As the host church pastor, Dr. Kirby Kennedy welcomed those attending and thanked the participating pastors for their enthusiasm in uniting for a joint service.

National Days of Prayer have been held across America since the early days of our nation.

Now, every year, hundreds of thousands of people pray in churches, small groups and individually for seven key areas of need defined by the NDOP Task Force: family; church; business and workplace; education; military, law enforcement and first responders; government; and art, media and entertainment.

Each of the area pastors spoke briefly to one of the seven areas and then prayed, asking God for His wisdom, mercy and healing for the nation in each area.

For example, when speaking about family, Rev. Bobby Alldis of First Baptist, Sun City, stated the family unit as outlined in the Bible has virtually been obliterated in today’s society and there is a great need to return to a Biblical model.

Dr. Paul Muresan, with Covenant Presbyterian Church, remarked that he had been a volunteer chaplain for the police department as he spoke on the military, law enforcement and first responders prayer need. He asked the question, “When you sleep, do you think about who is watching over you?”

And Dr. Bob Marti, First Baptist, Sun City West, when speaking to government, said, “In the upcoming elections, don’t pray for Democrat, Republican or Independent. Pray instead that every person running for office will turn to God, and that they will seek His wisdom and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them in their work.”

Congregational singing was led by Carol Truelove, minister of music at First Baptist, Sun City, and Ruthie East, member of First Baptist, Sun City West, presented The Lord’s Prayer in sign language.

The pastors and churches participating in the service were: Rev. Bobby Alldis, First Baptist, Sun City; Dr. Gary Harr, Grand Community Baptist, Surprise; Rev. Dan Fosnight, Emmanuel Baptist, Sun City; Rev. Charles Short, Grand Community Baptist; Dr. Paul Muresan, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Sun City West; Dr. Bob Marti, First Baptist, Sun City West; Rev. Alex Dennis, Asante Church, Surprise; and Dr. Kirby Kennedy, First Baptist, Sun City West.