‘Why do we need to pray? I don’t think I need to tell you. The Bible commands us to pray.?
Host Mark Gilman used that question to remind various community members why they had gathered at St. Daniel’s Catholic Church to celebrate the National Day of Prayer on May 6.
Clarkston’s celebration was just one of the 40,000 events that took place nationally. Participants enjoyed breakfast by Shannon Warwick and ceremonial flag duties from Boy Scout Troop 189.
Open to people of all faiths, members of the Clarkston area community gathered in the Cushing Center to send special thoughts to the area around them.
‘Help us to remember our strength in community begins with our neighbors,? Marlene Stone, community prayer leader, told the audience.
In addition to the prayer for the community, members lead prayers for the government, churches, schools, youth and families, the workplace and the armed forces.
‘Isn’t it a good feeling to have the different parts of the body all together here,? Keith Cook, school prayer leader and Clarkston High School science teacher, said.
After the various prayers, the audience was treated to a presentation from Jeff Tutten, chaplain for the Detroit Tigers.
‘You could not find a room big enough for the people who have prayer FOR the Tigers, but Jeff has prayed WITH the Tigers,? Gilman said.
Tutten described his duties for the Tigers. Tutten is responsible for a chapel service every Sunday before a game and his wife leads a Bible study for the players? wives and significant others.
Tutten stressed the importance of maintaining a view on the world around individuals and completing the daily tasks of life.
‘Pray that we are men and women and young people who commit ourselves to one another,? Tutten told the audience.
The experience to share his thoughts with the Clarkston area on the day of reflection was welcomed by Tutten.
‘I’m happy to come out and share when I get the chance,? Tutten said. ‘I think we need to be refocused on our continued devotion to Jesus Christ.?
Joan McCrary, Independence Township Clerk and leader for the government prayer, had worked on the committee that put the event together in the past and was excited to speak at this year’s celebration.
‘It means a lot to me. I took the whole staff. It was a real treat,? McCrary said. ‘In this day and age, if we can get 200 people in the community to bow their heads for this day, it is a really great thing.?