Groups celebrate National Day of Prayer
Christians in DuPage County were keeping children, the military and businesses in their thoughts during the National Day of Prayer on Thursday - along with the future of the annual event.
"It's a privilege as an American to be able to have this and we can't let them take it away from us," said Larry Kubiak of Downers Grove. "It can't happen. It will not happen."
Last month a federal judge in Wisconsin ruled the event, which Congress established in 1952, is unconstitutional. President Barack Obama's administration plans to appeal and the ruling would not go into effect until after that process.
In the meantime, dozens gathered at the DuPage County's National Day of Prayer observance at Naperville's municipal center. The event was organized by the Naperville Prayer-Action Chapter of Concerned Women for America and was based on Christian faith.
Naperville Mayor George Pradel led with a prayer for government.
"Pray for wisdom and strength and the right decisions being made," he said.
John Bell, senior pastor at Grace Pointe Church in Naperville, said he sees a connection between the Gospel and being an American - both are open to everyone and both are based on hope.
"No matter who you are, no matter what you're facing in life there is hope, there is renewal, there is healing available to you," he said. "And that's the same with America."
Verna Fair, rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in Naperville, led prayers for the safety and courage of the military and also for teachers.
"Thank you for teachers who are listeners and gentle guides and who expect much and love enough to demand more," she said.
Tom Foote, chairman of the board of directors of CareNet Pregnancy Services of DuPage County, prayed for businesses and the media and also said he feels the country is "at a crossroads."
"The forces behind the rise of secular fundamentalism and those who seek to sanitize and deconstruct the history of this great country founded on the precepts of God ... the salvation found in his son Jesus Christ and the comfort and power found in the Holy Spirit must receive a clear message that we will not give in to the mounting pressure and, yes, the emerging persecution in the United States of America," he said.
Dave Gruthusen, director of student ministries at The Compass Church in Naperville, also expressed concerns, saying the "immorality of our culture and media has been pouring into the culture of our churches."
But there is a bright spot, he said, in that he sees more children than ever loving God and serving other people.
"Like never before God is working and is alive and loves our kids, loves our families more than any of us in this room and he is working in our kids' lives," he said.
Carol Grandsard of Aurora was moved by the event.
"We just pray that God never takes his hands off this country and the blessings we're allowed," she said. "I can't imagine America without God."
Other area National Day of Prayer observances included those at or organized by the Aurora Christian Ministry and Aurora churches, Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, Our Savior in Carol Stream, Faith United Methodist Church of Elmhurst, Oak Brook Community Church, Christ Church of Oak Brook, the Villa Park Gazebo and the Christian Service Brigade in Wheaton.