BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — The Beckley community will unite in prayer on Thursday, May 1, in observance of the 2025 National Day of Prayer, with a full day of events planned to bring together churches, leaders, and residents in collective reflection and hope.
The day will begin with a Prayer Breakfast for pastors and community leaders from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, located at 305 Worley Road. Following breakfast, prayer sessions will take place throughout the day at the Word Park Gazebo in downtown Beckley, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continuing every 15 minutes until 6:30 p.m.
Each time slot features representatives from local churches and ministries who will read scripture and offer prayers focused on specific areas of society, including Family, Church, Military, Education, Government, Media/Arts/Entertainment, and Business. Some participants may also include a musical selection, though it is not required. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend any part of the day.
This year’s National Day of Prayer theme is “Hope”, based on Romans 15:13. Beckley’s observance has been organized annually since 2011 by Sherrie Hunter, bringing together a broad coalition of faith communities for this national tradition, which was first recognized in 1775 by the Continental Congress and officially established in 1952.
Word Park Gazebo Prayer Schedule Highlights:
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10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Focused prayers for Family, Church, Military, Education, and Government
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1:00 – 2:45 p.m.: Business and additional Family-focused prayer times
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3:00 – 4:45 p.m.: Family and Education
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5:00 – 6:30 p.m.: Government, Media, and Military
All are invited to stop by, participate, and join their voices in prayer as part of this national initiative. For more information, contact Sherrie Hunter or Jill Moorefield.
