Fremont residents observe National Day of Prayer

“Fremont is a small community, and when it’s needed, the people do come together and work together,” said the Rev. Tony Sutton, pastor at St. James Church of Christ. “That’s what the word teaches us, and that’s what we try to do.

“It’s about helping loving one another, and I know it may sound trivial but love never fails.”

Designated by the United States Congress, the National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”

“I grew up in Fremont. I’m a hometown boy,” said Sutton.

Sutton began the event by welcoming the small crowd, and he hoped they would remember the power of prayer and what makes coming together to pray in fellowship so vital to God’s people.

“The Bible teaches us constantly that we should always pray, pray without (ceasing), and I think we have strayed away from that, and that’s why we see so much evil, amen, coming into the world now,” said Sutton. “The Bible speaks of evil coming, and the weapon against that is prayer.”

He said to become closer to God, a person must believe in standing on the promises of God, while an effort must be made to protect the nation’s youth from the wickedness that plagues the world.

Sutton challenged those attending to not stop with the National Day of Prayer but pray daily for God to heal this nation.

“Even though this is the National Day of Prayer, we should make every day a National Day of Prayer because it’s needed,” said Sutton. “Especially, it seems like in this season that we’re in now that the enemy is attacking our youth, and the Bible lets us know that our children are a gift to us.

“I like it when the community comes together and sees the need of that and comes with heartfelt prayers.”

That was the sentiment of Sutton’s son, Brandon, who attended the event for the first time.

“I came straight from work, and I actually just moved back from Orlando. I was in Orlando for three years,” he said. “It’s important to always think about other people and what they could be going through, and it’s always good to pray for other people.”

During the event, local pastors and reverends prayed for eight different areas — the world, the nation, Fremont, church, the military, education, first responders and those sick in the community.

Sutton prayed for the world.

“When we come together, amen, and good fellowship, amen, makes for good relationships, good relationships build a stronger community and church community,” said Sutton. “Good fellowship helps build strong families, and strong families build strong churches.

“So, we’re just trying to continue God’s work while we’re still here on God’s Earth.”

Ceria Reed, who performed a rendition of “King of Glory,” said the National Day of Prayer is essential because God has the power and uses that power through prayer.

“I was invited by my pastor to sing, but I also just think it’s important because prayer is what’s keeping me together,” said Reed. “The lord gave me that song to sing, and I think it summed up what we’re here for.

“Just inviting the lord into all of our situations, and we need to come together in fellowship and pray.”