Public prayer for the nation event in Winfield Sept. 26

WINFIELD - Local churches are coming together to promote a time of public prayer for the nation.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The one-hour prayer time will be held at the gazebo located adjacent to Winfield City Hall. Ironically, this is the same Saturday which traditionally serves as Mule Day weekend in the city.

The local prayer event is being held in conjunction with a prayer march set for the same day in Washington, D.C. The event in the nation’s capital is being coordinated by renowned evangelist Franklin Graham.

The son of the nation’s most recognizable evangelist, the late Billy Graham, is calling upon Americans to come together in a time of prayer. The nationwide effort is being used to focus on the crises now facing the United States, with issues ranging from the COVID-19 public health crisis to race relation debates which have led to rioting and looting in several American cities.

Assisting in the local effort is Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield. The first-term lawmaker has extended an invitation to more than 100 elected officials in Marion, Lamar, Fayette and Winston counties.

“This is much more than an event for one community,’’ Estes said. “Allow me to give credit where it is due. Local pastors have created this effort, and I have simply been asked to spread the word and issue invitations. I have extended invitations to elected officials across House District 17, and I would encourage as many as can from the general population to attend.

“This is simply one hour of our day. As desperately as our nation needs a healing at the hands of Almighty God, I do not think this is too much to ask. Allow me to extend an invitation to residents from across Marion, Lamar, Winston and Fayette counties. This will be a time for us to come together in faith seeking God’s face while seeking a healing for our land only the Good Lord can provide.’’