By Barb Sherman

“… if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

May 6 was the National Day of Prayer– a day set aside for a national observance of God’s sovereignty over our nation, whether it be His provision, judgment, blessing, or protection. Our country was founded on a Scriptural foundation and on prayer. If we are to see our country revived, we must return to those original moral roots and Biblical directives.

Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Virginia’s, Associate State Director Jan Robey, and the Forest Prayer Action/Chapter had the privilege to lead a time of prayer at the Bedford Town Clock at Main/Bridge Streets at noon. In an appeal to heaven, prayers were lifted up for each of the following centers of influence: family, church, workplace, education, military, government, and media.

Many private citizens, representing various local churches, were present, as were several local officials, including Delegate Kathy Byron (R-District 22), Delegate Wendell Walker (R-District 23), Tracey Good, wife of Congressman Bob Good (R-District 5), and Bedford Town Council member Bruce Hartwick. Delegate Walker gave the opening prayer, members of the Forest Prayer/Action Chapter read scripture, and each prayed over a center of influence. Lori Lewis, the Bedford Pregnancy Center Director, prayed over families, and local pastor Travis Witt prayed over the government. Delegate Byron gave a few remarks and closed out our event in prayer.

The National Day of Prayer theme for this year was “Lord, pour out Your Love, Life, and Liberty.” The theme comes from II Corinthians 3:17, which declares, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty.”

Jan Robey had this to say about the scripture: “How fitting this scripture is for our town of Bedford, as Bedford was established in 1782 as the village of Liberty.” Jan Expressed appreciation for all who turned out and implored all to continue to pray for revival in our country and our leaders – local, state, and federal.