THOMASVILLE- Over 200 citizens participated in Thomasville’s 32nd Annual Observance of The National Day of Prayer this past Thursday morning. Community Transformation Inc. (CTI) co-sponsored the event with One Heart Beat Inc. CTI has a board of 25, including 16 local pastors and other community and ministry leaders. The event was hosted by and held in the First Baptist Church of Thomasville Sanctuary at noon. The service was moderated by Attorney Doug Silvis, but led by a diverse worship team and 20 different community leaders who prayed or spoke. Twelve different community leaders led prayers on assigned subjects and others led the congregation in unison reading of the Thomasville Prayer Covenant and the National Prayer for 2023. The service was also broadcast live on Facebook and WPAX Radio. 

Bryan Watt, CEO of One Heartbeat, Inc. provided the overview and introductions of speakers, while Jeremiah Spencer, Connor Mathis, Johnny Payne and Bree Cunningham led the worship team. Rabbi Robert Ackerman sounded the Shofar prior to Pastor Paul Ballard providing the Invocation. 

Pastor Gary Metcalf led the crowd in the Greater Thomasville Prayer Covenant, while David Oaks, Vice Chair explained the vision behind the Thomas County National Day of Prayer. 

Pastor Jamie Nunnally then introduced those who would be providing the 12 Prayers for the Thomas County Community and Nation.

Pastor and City Council Member Terry Scott, provided the first prayer dedicated to the Called and Chosen. Pastor Chris Goff of The HUB Church then prayed a prayer titled “Thy Kingdom Come.” 

Zippy T. Vonier, Chairman of the Board of Thomas County Commissioners, provided the third prayer, dedicating it to the local government. 

Pastor Curnell Henry of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church prayed for educators and the education system, while Rebecca Cannady, Director of Thomas County United Way, prayed for businesses and the economy. 

Robyn Hickey, Salvation Army Corps Administrator, followed up Cannady, praying for families across Thomas County. 

Lucinda Brown, President of Thomas County NAACP, continued on Hickey’s prayer, focusing on unity for all families, regardless of race and gender. 

Dondell Green, CEO of Joshua’s Promise Mentoring Ministry, provided the eighth prayer, focusing on keeping children safe in their extracurricular activities and allowing God to shine through in all the talent on display. Pastor David Allen of New Covenant Church prayed for all the individuals in the media, who are aiming to spread God’s word through the press. 

Pastor Tim Filston of First Presbyterian Church of Thomasville, prayed for the churches that they may reach someone new each day and lead people to God’s word. 

Assistant Chief Eric Hampton of the Thomasville Police Department prayed for first responders, asking God to keep them safe day and night and remind them that there is still good in the world, despite the difficult scenes they have to endure day after day. 

David Parrish, CEO of the International School of Theology and Leadership, concluded the prayers with one encompassing the Earth, asking God to protect everyone and keep the place the community calls home safe from whatever may ail it. 

Kathy Branzell, President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force then led everyone in attendance in the National Prayer, where Mt. Sinai Apostolic Church Pastor Rickey R. Monroe assisted with the responses. 

Upon conclusion of the National Prayer, everyone proclaimed one final “How great Thou Art,” before returning to their duties for the day.