Locals hold National Day of Prayer at courthouse

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WILMINGTON — About two dozen people participated in National Day of Prayer at the Clinton County Courthouse Thursday.

Larry Speelman, pastor at First Church of God in Wilmington, read a national prayer by Tony Evans before adding his own, in which he thanked God for the blessing of a nation where all are free to worship and asked God to guide the country.

Speelman and Evans’ prayers also said there are issues in the country, including how God is marginalized, the contributions of citizens to a “spiritual apathy” and those who become “co-conspirators with the forces of evil that are destroying us as a society.”

“God as we’ve confessed before you that much of this is our fault, we pray Lord for your forgiveness and for your healing on our land,” Speelman prayed. “We thank you today for being a God that loves us, that cares about us and continues to bless us.”

“Lord, today we are crying out for you to heal our land,” Speelman continued to pray. “We’re so desperate, Father, today for a touch from you. … We have hope in you, and we’re trusting you today, Lord.

Wilmington Mayor John Stanforth presented a proclamation declaring May 5, 2016 Wilmington Day of Prayer.

“Whereas this community and this city have not done all they can to help themselves until we turn to God, in humble prayer, to ask for wisdom and strength that his will be done in all that we do,” Stanforth read. “And whereas praying for peace, praying for continued economic recovery, praying for jobs, praying for our citizens who are in need is an important aspect of a loving, caring community; now, therefore, I …do hereby proclaim May 5, 2016 as Wilmington Day of Prayer.”

Clinton County Common Pleas Judge John W. “Tim” Rudduck challenged those present to turn a day of prayer into a month of prayer and to pray through the Psalms.

He said he himself recently reflected on Psalms 34.

“God, through prayer, will deliver us from fear,” Rudduck said. “He will save us from our troubles. He will guard us. He will show us goodness, and He will supply our needs.

“God will listen to us when we talk to Him,” Rudduck continued. “We have to do our part” in prayer.

Rudduck said God has favored the country because of its history of prayer and encouraged others to continue that tradition.

“As a nation we have to remember … if we as God’s people will not intercede for our nation, is there really any reason for God to withhold judgment?” Rudduck asked.

“If my people, who are called by name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land,” Rudduck quoted 2 Chronicles. “So cry aloud. Shout aloud. Pray it quietly. Pray it thoughtfully. But pray.”

Reach Nathan Kraatz at 937-382-2574, ext. 2510 or on Twitter @NathanKraatz.

Larry Speelman, pastor at First Church of God in Wilmington, speaks to a crowd of people in the Clinton County Courthouse Thursday before leading them in prayer to observe National Day of Prayer.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/05/web1_DSC_0282.jpgLarry Speelman, pastor at First Church of God in Wilmington, speaks to a crowd of people in the Clinton County Courthouse Thursday before leading them in prayer to observe National Day of Prayer. Nathan Kraatz | Wilmington News Journal

Clinton County Common Pleas Judge John W. “Tim” Rudduck spoke to the crowd, challenging them to turn a day of prayer into a month of prayer.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/05/web1_DSC_0277.jpgClinton County Common Pleas Judge John W. “Tim” Rudduck spoke to the crowd, challenging them to turn a day of prayer into a month of prayer. Nathan Kraatz | Wilmington News Journal

Several of those gathered at the courthouse on Thursday bow their heads during prayer.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/05/web1_DSC_0288.jpgSeveral of those gathered at the courthouse on Thursday bow their heads during prayer. Nathan Kraatz | Wilmington News Journal

Several of those at the courthouse on Thursday joined in singing “America the Beautiful.”
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/05/web1_DSC_0297.jpgSeveral of those at the courthouse on Thursday joined in singing “America the Beautiful.” Nathan Kraatz | Wilmington News Journal

From left, Larry Speelman, Wilmington Mayor John Stanforth, Belinda Cook and Clinton County Common Pleas Judge John W. “Tim” Rudduck stand behind the podium set up in the courthouse for the National Day of Prayer Thursday.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/05/web1_DSC_0301.jpgFrom left, Larry Speelman, Wilmington Mayor John Stanforth, Belinda Cook and Clinton County Common Pleas Judge John W. “Tim” Rudduck stand behind the podium set up in the courthouse for the National Day of Prayer Thursday. Nathan Kraatz | Wilmington News Journal

Wilmington Mayor John Stanforth
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/05/web1_DSC_0261.jpgWilmington Mayor John Stanforth Nathan Kraatz | Wilmington News Journal
Rudduck: Pray it loud, quiet, thoughtful, ‘but pray’

By Nathan Kraatz

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