Carroll County Observes National Day of Prayer

McKENZIE (May 7) — The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a National Day of Prayer gathering Thursday morning at the Sgt. Lee Russell Carroll County Airport.

Local leaders in business, government, education and religion presented prayers for the nation, state and, specifically, for the people, churches and institutions in Carroll County.

Chamber President Brad Hurley welcomed everyone to the annual event inside the main hangar at the airport. Community members spent approximately one hour asking God for His blessings.

Bethel Renaissance Director Dr. Scott Shepherd and led attendees in worship and provided soft musical accompaniment on the keyboard during the individual prayers.

Brent Bullock offered the "2026 National Day of Prayer" prayer. Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler prayed for Carroll County citizens; Natalie Porter prayed for state leaders; Melissa Powell prayed for healthcare providers; David Duncan prayed for Gold Star Families, families of fallen United States Armed Forces service members; Mike Cary prayed for senior adults; and Kim Bell Webb prayed for God's word.

John Wright offered Billy Graham's "Prayer for the Nation." Brian Tucker prayed for Carroll County churches, Andy Rice prayed for the United States military, Wilma Pearson prayed for local leaders, Lynn Watkins prayed for Carroll County's K-12 schools, Scott Carter prayed for families who have lost loved ones, Brian Winston prayed for the business community and Rick Crossno prayed for first responders.

Kenny Herndon prayed for farmers, Anne Hames prayed for Bethel University, Darrell Ridgely prayed for federal and world leaders, Michael Butler prayed for utility workers, Col. James Harding prayed for United States veterans, Ike Gilbert prayed for the needy and Huntingdon Mayor Chad Edwards prayed for family.

Joe Smothers offered President George Washington's "Prayer for Our Nation," and Brent Dillahunty offered the Lord's Prayer.

This year’s gathering, themed “Glorify God Among the Nations - Seeking Him in All Generations” after 1 Chronicles 16:24, marked the United States’ 75th National Day of Prayer observance and Carroll County's 11th observance.