'Change Us, So We May Be the Influence for Others'

Monroe's celebration of a National Day of Prayer was marked by bright sunshine and a clear blue sky overhead, as a small gathering inside the gazebo on the Town Green joined in prayer and song.

Among those in attendance was First Selectman Steve Vavrek.

The Rev. Richard Flashman, senior pastor of Beacon Hill Evangelical Free Church, said, "We're going to pray for Steve, for Monroe, for the leaders of Connecticut and the nation."

On April 17, 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer must be declared by each following president. The annual day of observance is held on the first Thursday of May.

Monroe's ceremony was led by local clergy, including The Rev. Flashman, The Rev. Kevin Merritt, pastor of Stepney Baptist Church, and The Rev. Kregg Gabor of United Methodist Church of Monroe.

Drew and Erika Pothanszky, music directors of Beacon Hill Church, led the group in music with Drew on vocals and Erika on the keyboard.

The Rev. Flashman told the crowd that religion is "deeply rooted in our country and its founding."

Of the National Day of Prayer, Vavrek said, "The main thing is tolerance. None of us are perfect. I wish more people were here. They're not, and we’ll pray for them too."

The Rev. Flashman said, "We pray for Steve Vavrek, the Town Council and school board, that we lift up Monroe." He also prayed for Newtown and state and national leaders — that they have God's wisdom, guidance, help and strength.

A woman in attendance called out the names of every Town Council member and said, "Bless them and give them wisdom Lord Father."

'In the End Times'

Marge Derle, 94, expressed her despair over what's going on in the world.

"I personally feel we are in the end times and we better prepare," she said. "The world is getting worse and worse. It's important to pray for our country. We praise you Lord and give you all the glory and honor you are due."

Despite all of the tragic events in the world, Derle said it's important not to ever blame God.

"I'm not blaming God," she said. "I love you and praise you Lord."

The Rev. Flashman said, "God does not cause evil at all. When tempted, don't say, 'God is tempting me.' It's not God's fault there is evil in the world. It's our own desires."

One of the vices is pornography, according to The Rev. Merritt.

"The U.S. is the largest producer and exporter of pornography on the planet," he said. "Save those who are exploited and see it as a way to make a few dollars. Forgive the people in the church I know who indulge in it."

The Rev. Flashman asked that God forgive us for treating marriage "in a cavalier manner, with so much divorce and breaking up of the family." He also asked God to help us with the struggles of family life.

The Rev. Merritt said, "Pray for revival. Let's not make this a political moment for prayer. We're asking for God's mercy."

Prayer and Politics

As people called out for things they wanted to pray for, political views were sometimes expressed.

Richard Hunt is unhappy with Gov. Dannel Malloy for appointing Andrew J. McDonald as the first openly gay justice to the Connecticut Supreme Court.

Hunt asked God to "humble" Malloy and "redeem him" and to "save him" and said, "fill him with Christ that he will repent and lead us in the Holy Spirit. Change his heart and politics. State judges will repent in some evil they've done and placed un-Godly people in power over us."

Hunt does not like the fact that McDonald will be involved in court decisions that can overturn laws and make other decisions for the state.

"I find it offensive, because this is the Constitution State," he said after the ceremony.

Among those people prayed for on Thursday were the men and women in the judicial system.

The Rev. Flashman prayed that the judicial system and Supreme Court will make decisions "based on law and principal, truth and righteousness — Laws reflective of your principals and truth."

'Dedicated Public Servants'

The Rev. Gabor led prayers for the decision making of leaders and voters.

"For all of us who vote, that we understand the necessity of things that need to change," he said. "Thank you for raising dedicated public servants, who take so much abuse at our hands. We're the kind of people who don't like sacrifice. Help us to support our elected officials, who you placed in power, even if it's for something we don't want to hear."

The Rev. Merritt said, "Gov. Malloy faced tough challenges after the Sandy Hook tragedy. Give our leaders wisdom on high. Steer them in a way that's right for you our Lord."

He asked God to place his hand on national leaders — from President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden to all members of Congress — as they lead the country and that they "keep the honor of this country."

Seven Things

Drew Pothanszky asked the Lord to watch over police officers and firefighters who often stand between us and danger "that they may do their jobs safely that we may be protected."

A final prayer was for seven things: Government, military, the media, education, business, churches and families.

"Bless our educators and teachers, who give so much of their time to the kids," The Rev. Merritt said.

He prayed for a curriculum that includes creativity, moral character, faith and wisdom.

For business, The Rev. Merritt prayed for a return of "American ingenuity" and that governments balance budgets in a prosperous economy. Also for members of the Monroe Economic Development Commission, that they attract businesses to town that create jobs here.

The Rev. Flashman said, "We thank you Lord, that we have a free press and it will be a vital press for years to come."

He prayed for a "robust, accurate and righteous media", in which journalists report the truth, wherever it may lead.

The Rev. Flashman led a prayer for "revival, truth, love and piety in our nation."

"May it begin with us as individuals," he said. "Change us, so we may be the influence for others."