Day of Prayer: Paysen Poses Challenge To Community

Last Thursday, members of the community gathered at Veterans Park in Downtown Toccoa to observe the 2024 National Day of Prayer. This year marked the 73rd National Day of Prayer, and this year’s theme was LIFT UP THE WORD/LIGHT UP THE WORLD, based on Scripture from Samuel 22: 29-31.

At all of the services on the National Day of Prayer, seven specific areas are prayed for, including the country’s government and leadership, education, the media, the economy, churches, the family unit, and the military.

Stephens County’s local observance will be held today on the Historic Stephens County Courthouse lawn beginning at 12 noon. The non-denominational Christian event will last approximately 30 minutes.

The National Day of Prayer was created 69 years ago in 1952, by a joint resolution of Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

WNEG aired the local National Day of Prayer Service, which was sponsored by local evangelical ministry,  P230 Foundation, with P230’s Steve Paysen opening the event.

Following Paysen, Pastor Wayne Marcus of Tom’s Creek Baptist Church offered the first prayer, praying for the Church to seek the Lord and for revival of the Church, referencing Jeremiah 29:13.

Next to speak was SCHS Senior Grant Ware, who prayed for the schools to return to God-honoring principles and values, referencing 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Next to speak was Carley Funderburke, who prayed for Stephens County teachers and school administrators, referencing Romans 13:1.

Stephens County High School Senior Aiden Butts spoke next, praying for Stephens County students to live their faith out loud.

Next to speak was SCHS student Easton Scroggs, who prayed for the student pastors and ministries, highlighting CLC and FCA and referencing Romans 10: 14-15.

Paysen addressed the crowd again, offering a challenge for citizens to schedule time to pray for the community.

Pastor Jamie Smith of Ebenezer Baptist closed the event, praying for the Church to be awakened to obedience to the calling to reach the lost, referencing Colossians 2: 1-2.