Community gathers for time of prayer

For nearly 50 people gathered at the City Landing in Demopolis to commemorate the National Day of Prayer Thursday, the noontime hour was sacred.

We applaud those gathered &8212; the clergy, the laymen and the elected officials. Prayer is a personal and powerful thing. It is more than the expression of a wish &8212; more than simply words spoken.

People of faith believe God answers prayer. The very act of coming together as believers on Thursday afternoon is an act of faith, an expression of belief that a kind and loving God is able to hear &8212; and answer &8212; prayer.

The U.S. economy is weaker than it has been in a decade. The price of oil continues to skyrocket. And, lest we forget, thousands of our young men and women are serving their country at war in Iraq. We are on the verge of mayoral, congressional and presidential elections that promise significant change &8212; for better or for worse. Even a non-believer could come to the conclusion that our nation needs prayer.

We believe that those prayers Thursday afternoon are not wasted &8212; that heartfelt pleas to a loving and just God are a powerful force for good in this world. We need more of that in the world.