MUSICAL BLESSING – Kriss Pino led those gathered Thursday in a rendition of “God Bless the USA.” -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON – Led by Weirton area clergy, close to 30 residents gathered at the steps of the Municipal Building Thursday, offering prayers over the community and nation.

Organized by the Weirton Ministerial Association, with support from the City of Weirton, the service was one of many observed in the Ohio Valley in honor of the National Day of Prayer.

This year’s theme was “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled,” based on scripture found in Romans 15:13, which reads “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” It is a call to release burdens and be filled with joy, peace, and hope.

In offering a proclamation recognizing the Day of Prayer in the city, Weirton Mayor Dean Harris noted the first recognized Day of Prayer in what is now the United States was declared by the Continental Congress in 1775, bringing together individuals of various religious persuasions to pray as one as the American colonies began a quest for liberty and justice.

Harris noted the Day of Prayer is an opportunity to “urge our citizens of all faiths to join together in prayer.”

GATHERING IN PRAYER – A group of around 30 Weirton residents gathered in front of the Weirton Municipal Building Thursday as part of local observances of the National Day of Prayer. -- Craig Howell

Pastor Craig Greathouse, of Family of God Church, also referring to scripture from Romans, said he can see a need for a new Great Awakening, to spread the message of God throughout the country.

“We do see revival in spotty places across the country,” he said, adding the message needs to be carried farther.

He looked back at his own childhood, saying God was more prevalent in the lives of Americans, proclaiming the worst thing he remembers worrying about in his youth was finding gum under the desk at school.

Pastor Randy Krebbs, of Oakland Presbyterian, carried that message.

“Now, there are guns in the schoolhouse,” he said. “That’s what we have to worry about.”

Krebbs, though, also took time to offer praise for the community and its people.

“This is a wonderful city,” Krebbs declared. “It’s a good place to live and worship.”

Krebbs offered thanks to city officials, as well as police and firefighters, and those workers assisting in the cleanup and relief efforts following Tuesday’s storm.

Pastor Gary C. Lilly of Restoration Church recalled memories of his father, who, after 30 years in the military, turned to pastoring. In particular, he remembered his father being called for a mission around the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, telling him to look after his mother and remember to pray.

“Prayer is an important thing,” Lilly said.

A reminder to look for the blessings was provided by Pastor Bennett Briles, of Weirton Church of the Nazarene, who told of his nightly prayers with his children, and for his children.

“So many times it’s easy to pray to God for help,” he said, noting people may not always look for the rewards already before them.

Thursday’s service included a performance of “God Bless the USA,” by Kriss Pino, with Deputy Police Chief Scott Cook and Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Elder Michael Smith of Weirton Covenant Church served as the master of ceremonies.