Rain can't drown out prayers
Tom Hasslinger | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 years, 6 months AGO
<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Marco Romero raises his hand while worshiping during the National Day of Prayer event held Thursday at Coeur d'Alene City Hall.</p>
<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Kira Hanson, a student from Lutheran Academy of the Master, looks up at the sky from under the cover of her umbrella.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - North Idaho, like the rest of the country, bowed its head in prayer Thursday as part of National Day of Prayer.
Some prayed for wisdom to bless city, county, state and national leaders. Others for healing the troops. Others for grace. But everyone, for something.
"That's the most important thing we can do," said Terri Capozzo, one of the approximately 100 people who gathered under umbrellas in front of Coeur d'Alene City Hall at noon Thursday for the gathering, about praying. "That's just a privilege we have in this country without fear of persecution. It's such an important thing."
Around 15 pastors spoke to the passionate crowd about the importance of staying faithful to God and the Bible.
The word of God, they said, should always be the path people should follow, even if laws can run counter to that. They prayed for wisdom to bless all leaders, from tiny towns to the nation's capital, during a difficult political time.
"We kill our unborn and call it choice," Pastor David Roberts said. "So we humbly bow and ask from your dear heart to forgive us."
The country was founded on the Bible, Pastor Gary Brown said. The country should return to those principles to keep America great.
"America looks ridiculous without Christians," he said, adding later he was pleased with the turnout despite the downpour. "Unless we become engaged, America is lost."
The 61st annual observance was originally declared by Congress so the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, according to The Associated Press.
And the roughly 100 people in front of City Hall came from across North Idaho to take part.
"I don't think enough people pray," said Steve Powers, who traveled from Spirit Lake to take part. "If we don't talk to (God), how's he going to answer."
One of the most powerful tools of praying for people is that it doesn't leave energy left to criticize others, which is in tune with Christian principles, he said.
Capozzo, too had traveled to attend the event. She came from Garwood, and said after the event she was glad she had made the trip. "It's worth coming," she said, smiling. "It's more important than a few drops of rain."