High unemployment, the recession, swine flu, global

unrest -- these are just a few of the issues making headlines and causing anxiety in people across the globe.

King Jehoshaphat also faced fear and anxiety, not only for himself but for his people.

"A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea" to engage in battle against the king, the writer of 2 Chronicles, Chapter 20 reported. The chronicler continued that in anticipation of the battle, Jehoshaphat was fearful but offered prayers to God, listened for God's answer, and proceeded in accordance with God's direction.

Though the king's story is ancient, WIS News 10 anchorwoman Dawndy Mercer Plank said it is still relevant in today's society.

"We live in a fallen world, and we live in a world where bad things are just going to happen on a daily basis," Plank told the more than 200 attendees gathered Thursday morning at The Cinema for the 15th annual Orangeburg Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.

"What amazes me, though, is how we want to take God out of the schools, we want to take God out of the public, we want to take God out of the picture, and when these bad things happen, we stand there and say, 'Why?' and 'Where are You, God?'"

Plank said Jehoshaphat was a public official who both publicly and personally called out to God in his struggles against the challenges he faced and the enemies in his life.

"In our personal lives, you could do that, too: Not only do you find out that you have cancer, but it is stage four," Plank said. "Not only do you find out your child is not doing well in school, but that he is flunking out of several classes."

What is the king's first reaction to news of the battle?

"The first reaction is that he was full of fear," Plank said. "What we do with that is so key. As we learn in Scripture, he called on God. He went to the throne instead of the phone. The Lord wants us to go to Him first."

Plank said the king eventually acknowledged God's authority over his life and his destiny.

"He is reminding his people ... 'God, You are large and You are in charge,'" she said. "In our families and in our personal lives ... we submit and say, 'You know what, God? I am Your child, whatever You want from me ... I am surrendering to You.' There is power in submission. To submit and pull back allows God ... to work through the situation."

Echoing this sentiment in his opening prayer, St. George Baptist Church Pastor Jimmy Hanf quoted Isaiah 43:2 " ... Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. "

"God has summoned you this morning," Hanf said. "God wants our nation to get back to Him. That is why we have a day of prayer."

A number of prayers were offered for national, state and local government leaders for wisdom, humility and courage.

"At this time of extraordinary economic concern, this time of war and global instability, our leaders need humility, wisdom and courage," prayed Dr. Mike Smith, pastor of St. Andrews United Methodist Church. "We pray for them the gift of wisdom that they will be men and women led by the truth who will act with discernment and justice."

Prayers were also offered for schools and universities, families and children, world peace, ministers and public safety officials.

The Rev. Paul Hamilton, director of pastoral care at the Regional Medical Center, offered prayers to "the Divine Physician" for the well being of Orangeburg Dr. David Chen.

Chen was taken to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston earlier this week after being injured in a traffic accident near the hospital. As of mid-afternoon Thursday, Chen was still listed in critical condition, MUSC officials said.

Billy Rouse, a member of Andrew Chapel Baptist Church, said prayer is the centerpiece of his life.

"It is a great event to come together in joy and prayer," Rouse said. "It is a good atmosphere to get your day started."

Rouse said prayers have become increasingly important in light of the social and economic changes taking place around the world.

"These days, prayer is very important because it is a motivation to overcome a lot of the adversities we are experiencing in the world today," he said. "Not only here in Orangeburg but in the entire world. I feel prayer is the answer and helps to put it all into perspective."

Branchville Christian Church member Benji Pace said the breakfast, "has a positive effect on the community.

"It is very important and good to have a right and a freedom to express your various beliefs under one roof and all together at one time."

Pace said prayer is fundamental.

"Good things come through prayer," he said. "Prayer is a positive thing in life."

Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller praised the strong turnout at the prayer breakfast despite the threat of rain.

"This is an opportunity for the various faiths to come together to worship and have a sense of community," Miller said. "We have been blessed with excellent speakers each year, and the messages they have brought have been meaningful not only to me but to those in attendance."

Continuing in the spirit of prayer, the Orangeburg Community Choir presented "This is My Song" and "Let There Be Peace on Earth." Piggly Wiggly catered the breakfast of eggs, bacon, grits and sausage.

n

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories

online at TheTandD.com.

You must be logged in to comment.