Sun Community News Article
\nOn Thursday\, May 7\, Americans across the country will unite in a federally acknowledged day of prayer. And for the first time in over a decade\, Ticonderoga and area residents will have the opportunity to participate as a four-person committee at Cornerstone Alliance Church works to bring pomp\, circumstance\, and attention to the event.
&ldquo\;My definition of prayer is really the beginning of a relationship with God\,&rdquo\; noted John Sharkey\, Cornerstone Alliance Church Elder\, Treasure\, and committee member. &ldquo\;You start there. He wants to hear from us\; He can handle all the prayers that the world has to offer.&rdquo\;
\n\nThe National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress\, traditionally held on the first Thursday of May\, when people are asked "\;to turn to God in prayer and meditation.&rdquo\; The President is required by law to sign a yearly proclamation encouraging all Americans to pray on this day\, whether it be in churches\, in groups\, or alone.
\n\nThe theme of this year&rsquo\;s National Day of Prayer is &ldquo\;Giving Glory to God\,&rdquo\; which Sharkey feels is super appropriate and relevant as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary this year\, which the event will also commemorate.
\n\n&ldquo\;With the nation&rsquo\;s 250th anniversary and the fact that we have lasted that long\, who is responsible?&rdquo\; he reflected. &ldquo\;God has blessed this nation mightily.&rdquo\;
\n\nSharkey is joined by fellow parishioners Linda Demarais\, and Jim and Teresa Huestis in organizing the event. Beginning at 6 p.m. on the seventh in Bicentennial Park\, local congregations will gather to offer prayer focused on seven areas within the country- churches\, government\, business\, education\, military\, family\, even the media.
\n\n&ldquo\;This is going to be very positive\,&rdquo\; said John Sharkey\, Cornerstone Alliance Church Elder\, Treasurer\, and committee member. &ldquo\;We are estimating we will see 200 people\, but it very well may be many more. It&rsquo\;s important to know who Jesus is.&rdquo\;
\n\nLocal pastors will be reading from scripture\, and a music component will play a large role in the service. In addition to Cornerstone Alliance\, churches expected to attend include Crown Point Congregational Church\, Log Chapel from Putnam Station\, Assembly of God\, the Episcopal Church of the Cross\, Hague&rsquo\;s Lakeside Regional Church\, and Crown Point Bible Church.
\n\nAll are welcome- saints\, sinners\, and everyone else in between while church-goers and non-church goers alike. In fact\, if an individual finds themself down in Bicentennial Park at that time and is curious as to what is unfolding\, Sharkey and Demarais encourage them to join in\, whether they are fluent in prayer or a first-timer.
\n\n&ldquo\;Having a relationship with God is different from religion\,&rdquo\; Demarais noted. &ldquo\;Religion is a man-made concept following a bunch of rules- God never said any of that. A relationship is walking together with the Lord.&rdquo\;
\n\n&ldquo\;God says walk by faith\, not by sight\,&rdquo\; Demarais said. &ldquo\;Everything we see is changing\, it is temporal. &ldquo\;Faith is placing your confidence in something you cannot see\, but you believe and trust.&rdquo\;
\n\nIn the event of inclement weather\, the event will move to inside Cornerstone Alliance (the blue church across the street from the park). For more information\, please email Sharkey at jsharkey2504@gmail.com.
\n LOCATION:Bicentennial Park UID:e.1115.37179 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260503T071743Z URL:https://business.ticonderogany.com/events/details/national-day-of-prayer-in-bicentennial-park-37179 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR