'Together in unity': Crowds gather for National Day of Prayer events in Ebensburg, Somerset
SOMERSET, Pa. – As Danny Conner sang the hymn 'How Great Thou Art' Thursday near the Somerset County Courthouse steps, he gestured for people in the crowd below to join him.
'Everyone,' he said, raising his voice mid-song. 'Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee.'
Conner could have been addressing fellow faithful nationwide, as Somerset County's National Day of Prayer event was mirrored in towns across the U.S., including Ebensburg.
At least 125 people gathered outside the Somerset courthouse for the early May tradition. Hundreds of National Day of Prayer events occurred simultaneously nationwide.
PHOTO GALLERY | National Day of Prayer | Somerset County
In Ebensburg, community members joined hands to praise God in song as they gathered in front of the Cambria County Courthouse. This year's National Day of Prayer theme was 'Pour Out To The God Of Hope and Be Filled.'
'Our theme is to pray to the God of hope, and this day brings hope to the community,' said Pastor Lee Workman III, president of the National Day of Prayer Cambria County Task Force. 'It brings us to a spiritual level where we need to be, and it brings positive things when we speak the name of God. This day brings a lot of people together in unity.'
In Somerset, National Day of Prayer committee members were surrounded by an empty cross and U.S. flags as they sang, spoke and referenced Scripture.
Both events featured prayers for military members and veterans, schools and students – and an education system that embraces God.
In Somerset, they cited economic hardships at home and prayed for business leaders to create jobs, prosper and grow while staying true to Christian values. A prayer for local families included those struggling and in 'crisis,' and a call to support the local organizations that work daily to support them.
Local resident Doug Stupka led the group in prayer for the country's government leaders at all levels, from local lawmakers and judges up to the White House and President Donald Trump.
'Let them lead on biblical principles rather than personal ambitions,' Stupka said.
The National Day of Prayer has been held on the first Thursday of May annually since 1952 and has been marked by millions of people of various religions across America since. The local events were organized by Christian leaders.
The Rev. Eric Raygor, a Methodist minister, told the crowd in Somerset that churches need to come together, regardless of denominational differences.
'Even though we come from different buildings, we are (all) your family,' Raygor said, adding later: 'And forgive us when we fall short.'
Nicktown resident Mary Ann Williams said in Ebensburg that the event inspires hope, trust and faith in the Lord.
'Above it all, he's the foundation, and without that solid rock, everything will tumble away,' Williams said. 'Anything that brings about joy and unity is a positive.'
Williams said the day is about keeping faith strong.
'We are all disciples of the Lord, and that is our mission,' she said. 'We need to bring it to all four corners of the world.'
For those participating, Workman said the message was that they will see that change can be made if everyone stands together.
'I pray they have a better understanding of their hope and positives will be brought out through this,' he said. 'For the positives to happen in the county, we need to work as a team.'
Somerset County National Day of Prayer committee members prayed for a similar outcome. Across East Union Street, John Ringler, of Acosta, and Carolyn Brown, of Jenner Township, were among those who sat together in small group prayer moments before the event ended.
Ringler said he woke up distracted by the damage that a storm inflicted on the region Tuesday, and called a friend in Ligonier to make sure he was OK. Thursday's event served as a reassuring reminder that God is the calm within life's storms, they said.
'Being here, it's a peaceful, calming feeling,' said Ringler, a first-time attendee. 'I'm glad I came.'
'Just being around all of these people ... and the prayer,' Brown said, 'you leave here uplifted.'
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