I failed to mention one important thing yesterday…the catalyst to my post about the National Day of Prayer was my involvement with a National Day of Prayer rally in Emmett (the country seat of my area). This rally was hosted by the Gem County Ministerial Association (i.e. a group of local pastors in the area) and was held in the park across the street from the county courthouse.

I got involved in the rally through some friends who asked me to play the bass guitar with them at the rally. Being a musician, I couldn’t say no (besides, it was a blast jamming with a worship band outside my church – no responsibilities or pastoring duties, just show up and play!)

Yet…I was nervous about the whole thing due to my love-hate relationship with the theme of the rally…. hence my post…

Only I was very, very surprised last night….

Instead of being political charged, the rally was full of brokenness, humility and love.

The event started out with worship before transitioning into a series of prayer sessions on different topics lead by various local pastors and community leaders. And when I say “prayer sessions”, I mean “prayer sessions.” These gentlemen didn’t use their platform for propaganda or self-promotion. They prayed. They truly prayed.

It was amazing to watch…. I mean, two of these guys had their church buildings set on fire last weekend and yet here they were crying out to God for more of His presence. Another one, who was introduced to Jesus while in the military, was crying – almost literally – over the new rules the Pentagon is considering…

Brokenness.

Just like the Psalmist of old said:

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise.
-Psalm 51:17

Yeah…it was a powerful evening capped off by more worship in which the saints of Gem County poured out their hearts to the King of Kings.

Thank you Lord for your people.