Mayor's Prayer Breakfast begins National Day of Prayer

Mayor Steve Collier presented a proclamation at the Lawrence Mayor's Prayer Breakfast at the Sterrett Center May 4. Chaplain Mel Keaton coordinated the local event in conjunction with gatherings around the nation. The Mayor's proclamation cited the importance of prayer in the city, since 1952. Historically, President Harry Truman began the string of presidential proclamations, including President Donald Trump. Mayor Collier said President Ronald Reagan designated the first Thursday in May as the national day of prayer in 1988.

More than 300 people gathered for the annual breakfast. Keaton said Moody Radio General Manager Ray Hashley led the Pledge of Allegiance and Crystal Graves performed the National Anthem. Several speakers offered prayers for public safety personnel and the community.

Pictured above are: Chaplain Keaton, LPD Chief David Hofmann, Keynote Speaker Mike MacIntosh, LFD Chief Dino Batalis, and Mayor Collier. MacIntosh addressed the gathering with encouragment for prayer; his account of service in Iraq and the persecution Christians face; and an update on San Diego's recent tragic shooting. Throughout the presentation, MacIntosh promoted prayer and community service as important ways to strengthen communities.

In addition to Mayor Collier, City Clerk Kathy Walton and Councilor Sherron Freeman attended the event with pastors and residents.

Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Evangelist Billy Graham, is the chairperson of the National Day of Prayer 2017. Lotz' father preached on the U.S. Capitol steps after President Truman signed the bill to set a day aside for prayer throughout the U.S. Though the law was challenged in 2011, the federal appeals court upheld the rights of people to gather and pray. The court found the law imposes "soley on the duties of the U.S. president, leaving private citizens no legal standing to challenge it."

Beginning at noon, Keaton said leaders and residents will gather in the Public Assembly Room (due to the rainy weather) to offer prayers for the City of Lawrence.