Several groups gathered Thursday in Ludowici to observe the 64th annual National Day of Prayer.

About 30 people met at 11:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church to hear Jimmy Howard recite Bible passages.

He said the United States was founded by Christian men who honored God. But as time has passed, Howard said, the country has drifted away from these beliefs and, as a result, God isn’t blessing the nation like the past.  

“Too many politicians and too many groups today don’t include God in their policies,” he said. “Our Founding Fathers did, and we need to pray that our leaders start moving back towards Him.”

The prayers continued at noon as nearly 100 people met at the Long County Courthouse. Grace Baptist Church Pastor Robert Long welcomed all and said Christians were called to pray together.  

“Georgia leaders are calling for us to pray with one heart and one voice of healing and concern,” Long said.

Evangelist Tim Parrish spoke about the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage.

“Next month, the Supreme Court is going to decide on gay marriage,” Parrish said. “If it happens, and it is allowed, then our country will feel God’s wrath.”

Eric Rentz, pastor of First Baptist Church of Ludowici, said that no matter what the Supreme Court rules with regard to marriage, God had already defined it as being between a man and a woman. He also said he lives in Long County because it is a community that values Christian principles.

“Thank you, Father, that we live in a county that still prays and loves God, and no matter what happens, I know that we will fight to continue having this freedom,” Rentz said.

Faith Baptist Church Pastor Terry Sellars prayed that all Christians first look inside themselves before judging others. He said Christians need to ask for forgiveness of their sins and then seek to bring the lost to Christ.  

“Father, direct our path and help us to get the Gospel to as many people as we can,” Sellars said. “And help us have a great revival in America.”

A New Beginning Church Pastor Tom Gardner said the Bible tells Christians there is power in prayer, and he knows this to be true.

Baconton Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Herman Scott prayed for people to strive to be better Christians. He also prayed for law-enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders, asking that God protect them.