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When Prayer Sounds
Like Prayer Again
I have a confession to make: I have not always loved National Day of Prayer gatherings.
Don’t get me wrong. I love America. I love our country. I believe we should pray for our nation. I’m not opposed to having a National Day of Prayer—although, like Thanksgiving, it does raise the question: shouldn’t we be doing this every day anyway? Still, there is something good and important about setting aside a day to give special attention to prayer for our nation and leaders.
But here’s what I’ve often struggled with, especially since entering ministry. Too often, National Day of Prayer gatherings can drift into something that feels more like speeches disguised as prayers. Sometimes preachers—and politicians too—can start “praying” in ways that sound more like public statements or continued sermons than actual conversation with God.
And before anyone throws stones, let me confess that I’m sure I’ve been guilty of that myself at times.
But the last two years, I have thoroughly enjoyed our Perry National Day of Prayer service sponsored by the Perry Ministerial Association. A large part of that is because Rob Ray has stepped up to help lead it, and he has done a phenomenal job.
Today at noon, because of the weather, we gathered in the sanctuary at Perry Methodist Church for what truly felt like a holy and beautiful time of prayer.
The service opened with worship led by the Westfield Schools Praise Band:
- Morgan Miller — vocals
- Adeline Pearson — guitar and vocals
- Knighton Walker — cajón
- Mattie Mann — bass guitar
They led with such sincerity, strength, and beauty that they immediately ushered us into worship.
Rob then welcomed everyone and set the table for the service. Children from several local schools read Scripture throughout the gathering, and hearing young voices read the Word of God gave the entire service a sense of innocence, humility, and hope.
The Scripture readers included:
- Murphy Wright (3rd grade, Tucker Elementary) — 1 John 4:7–12, 18–19
- Brooke Lester (5th grade, homeschool) — Psalm 33:1–12
- Bailey Bips (5th grade, Kings Chapel Elementary) — Psalm 33:13–22
- Aiden McGee (4th grade, Morningside Elementary) — James 1:19–27
Pastor Jason Mangrum prayed for our local leaders and schools.
Pastor Lewis Kiger prayed for our state and nation, confessing our deep need for forgiveness and renewal in the many ways we have drifted from God.
Pastor Don Cauley prayed for the world, for the gospel to flourish in every land, and for all people everywhere to be seen as brothers and sisters made in the image of God.
Larry Wood, director of Perry Volunteer Outreach, prayed for the poor and for those carrying heavy burdens in our community.
Throughout the service, Rob quietly offered instrumental guitar music beneath the prayers and Scripture readings. It never drew attention to itself, but instead felt like a fragrant offering rising gently to God.
What struck me most was the tone of the entire gathering. The prayers were marked not by anger or performance, but by calmness, seriousness, humility, and hope.
I know many people were unable to attend today, but I wanted to share this simple truth: the pastors and churches of Perry are united. We are one Church that happens to meet in different buildings. And together, we desire to see God’s will done in Perry, Houston County, Middle Georgia, our nation, and to the ends of the earth.
So let me encourage you: pray for our country. Pray for our leaders—local, state, and national. Pray for wisdom, repentance, justice, mercy, peace, and revival.
And don’t just do it on the National Day of Prayer.
Do it every day.
Grace and Peace,
Tom
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