By By ZURI KELVER / Niles Daily Star
NILES – As the clock struck noon on Thursday, May 1, the sun shined on more than 20 Niles residents joined together on the front lawn of Niles City Hall. They came out to take part in the 57th Annual National Day of Prayer. The Day of Prayer is an event when many of the nation's faithful get together at the same time all across America for a non-denominational prayer session.
The theme for 2008 is "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield." A pamphlet was given out which described Bible verses relevant to topics such as government, military, the media, business, education and family.
One such excerpt regarding political leadership from 1 Kings 3:28 reads "they held the king in awe, because they saw they he had wisdom from God to administer justice." Such topics are particularly relevant as a certain presidential candidate and his ex-reverend are currently going toe to toe on the role of faith in government.
Pastor Jeff Whittaker of the Michiana Christian Embassy began the proceedings by reading the 'Prayer for Our Nation' atop the steps of City Hall. The prayer was written by the 2008 Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Tack Force Dr. Ravi Zacharias, it specifically asks for "the guidance to elect one who will honor the Holy Father."
After the introduction and a group reading of the 'Prayer of Our Nation' attendees dispersed into smaller prayer circles. Many held hands, some knelt down and everyone prayed for a better tomorrow.
Additional prayer services were held in Niles, organized by the Niles Area Ministerial Association at the Niles Township Hall, led by Pastor Terry White of Beacon Baptist Church and the Howard Township Hall, led by Pastor Dave DeVoll of Coulter's Chapel Church of God.