National Day of Prayer
By Monica Kirtz
Mitchell County
Jim Cymbala, the pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York, said this: “We forget that the Christian church was founded in a prayer meeting. It was led in its earliest and most successful years by simple men full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” It is true…we have forgotten about prayer…as a nation, as a church, and as individuals. Since JESUS Himself prayed, how much more do we need to pray…how much more should we pray?
That is why I am thrilled that there is a special day set aside in our nation for prayer. The National Day of Prayer is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of this great privilege that we have…prayer. The whole nation is called upon to spend some time in prayer on this day, whether individually or in groups of local gatherings. The 2021 theme was “LORD, pour out Your Love, Life, & Liberty”. The Scripture theme was 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
Mitchell County came together in several ways on this day. There was a full program on the radio stations of WTOE 1470 AM and 101.1 FM. The Pledge of Allegiance was presented by Tri-County Christian School. Music was provided by Pastor Chris Rathbone singing “Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone” with his son, Gabriel, accompanying him on the guitar. Also, Alexis Buchanan, a student of Tri-County Christian School, sang, “Different”.
Each area of influence in our nation was discussed and covered in prayer by my husband, Jason, and myself. The Mayor of Spruce Pine, Darla Harding, also prayed the 2021 National Prayer. Also, we had a Prayer Walk at Riverside Park in Spruce Pine, where we had 7 different stops to pray for America. The LORD blessed us with a beautiful day and good attendance and participation. It began at noon with an opening prayer by Pastor Steve Williams. Tri-County Christian School came and led in music and song. One of the students, Alexis Buchanan also sang, “The Potter’s Hand”, and the school led us in The Pledge of Allegiance. This school and its’ administration are a great asset to our county and community and are always willing to reach out and help whenever needed. Please keep them lifted up in prayer, as they fight spiritual warfare every day as soldiers for The LORD…in service for Him. There was a Prayer Walk scheduled at 6:30 p.m. as well, in consideration of those who work and were unable to attend the noon gathering. This time was opened in prayer by Pastor Toby Crowder. We also want to say a special “thank you” to Mike Sink and Bruce Ikard of WTOE for the use of the radio and also to Pastor Toby Crowder, who was in charge of all sound operations at the park.
Before the National Day of Prayer, there were 7 Days of Repentance observed to cleanse and prepare our hearts. The Blue Ridge Christian News Facebook page allowed us to post 7 devotions, 1 on each day for the 7 areas of influence. We hope this was a blessing to many!
***Next year, please mark your calendars early for the first Thursday in May. Let’s make this a priority in our lives, in our homes, and in our churches. Future generations need to be taught the value of prayer now…while we still can.
Don’t wait until it is too late to read The Bible…read it today.
Don’t wait until it is too late to mention the name of GOD or talk about JESUS…tell someone about Him today.
Don’t wait until it is too late to pray…pray today.
Don’t wait until it is too late to go to church…go to church today.
Don’t wait until it is too late.
JESUS said, “…the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4
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Monica Henley Kritz is the County Coordinator for the National Day of Prayer, Prayer Coordinator for Mitchell County Baptist Association and wife of Jason Kritz, Pastor of Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church. Jason and Monica Henley-Kritz live in the beautiful mountains of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, nestled near the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Jason is the owner of Joyful Noise Vintage Audio & Electronics, where he repairs, rebuilds, and restores vintage electronics. Monica is the owner of Monica’s Music Studio, where she teaches piano and music theory lessons. Jason and Monica were married in 2007, and they give GOD all the glory for any accomplishments in their lives.
Contact Monica with questions about the books or to order hard copies.
Email: monicasmusicstudio@gmail.com
Phone: 1 828 765 8789 ( Leave a message )
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