Press Release from Sumter Area Ministerial Association:

“Pray First!”

Our nation is facing another aggressively divisive election season this fall. Prayer is the highest and best intercession for such a time as this.

The Sumter Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) is inviting every church in Sumter County to begin praying for peace and unity for the people of our nation in the weeks and months ahead of us.

We suggest a special prayer during your Sunday and weekday church services asking God to help us preserve peace and respect for all! Perhaps we could also hand out written prayers for your folk to pray at home during the week.

The following is only one suggestion for praying for our nation during this election season. Of course, you are capable of writing even more eloquent prayers and we encourage you to do that for your people.

Thank you so very much for participating in this initiative of “Pray First!”

“O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus Christ your Son: look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, our nation and all races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
BCP, 1979

(Rev.) Geri Lee Nelson
President
Sumter Area Ministerial Association