Members of Williamston First Baptist Church recently put feet to their prayers – all over town.
Following a series of sermons on prayer by pastor Brad Bardin that led up to a “Prayer Focus Sunday” on Sept. 23, worshipers broke into groups and fanned out across the quiet northern Anderson County town to offer up prayers at locations chosen to represent six areas of emphasis: education, the economy, government, healthcare, the Christian community, and the military.
Church members who weren’t able to walk or drive stayed behind in the sanctuary and prayed.
At Palmetto High School, church members prayed for students, staff and faculty, and for their safety, wisdom and boldness as a Christian example.
At a local bank, prayers were offered for economic concerns and for wisdom for business leaders in the town and across the nation, especially in light of job losses suffered by many Americans.
At the town hall, church members prayed that godly leaders would be elected in November and that religious and civil freedom would reign around the world.
At a doctor’s office, prayers were offered for healthcare providers and for patients in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice, and for those going through times of grief.
At the Palmetto Baptist Association office, prayers were lifted for incoming director of missions Ron Underwood and for the 26 member churches of the association. Williamston First Baptist members also prayed for an “intense, united focus” on local mission work and prayed for the ministry of the local food bank.
At the National Guard armory, prayers – both voiced and unspoken – were offered for members of all branches of the military, for the president and the Congress, as well as for the families of those serving in the military.
When they finished praying, members returned to the church for a simple meal and shared their experiences.
– Submitted by Beth Wilson.