SUMMERDALE, Alabama —An estimated 200 people turned out Thursday, May 2 for the 22nd annual Day of Prayer program hosted by the town of Summerdale.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Roberts was the guest speaker for the event, themed “Pray for America,” and sponsored by the town of Summerdale, Baldwin EMC, local churches and businesses.

Roberts brought Thursday’s message from the book of Daniel, challenging those present to take an active role in affecting change.

“Daniel was 82 years old when he read the book of Jeremiah which said that in 70 years God would take his people back,” Roberts said. “But Daniel didn’t sit back and wait for it to happen. He took an active role in making sure it would happen.”

Roberts said in his role as a surgeon a lot of people come to him thinking he has all the answers.

“I don’t have all the answers,” he said. “God is the one who has all the answers. In order to find health and healing, we must confess, repent and intercede.”

Following a welcome by Mayor David Wilson, Capt. Bryan Hale led the Pledge of Allegiance and a time of worship was led by Joshua Giles.

Bonnie Schell then read the National Prayer, written by Greg Laurie, followed by the presentation of prayers.

The Rev. Bob Simmons led the prayer for the church, with Carol Miller leading the prayer for education, Clyde Abrams the prayer for business, Teri Baggett the prayer for military, the Rev. Sankie Reed the prayer for government, Sue Leavins the prayer for family and the Rev. Jason Smith the prayer for media.

Janelle Harms introduced Roberts and Wayne Doubrava presented the closing prayer, followed by lunch, coordinated by Ida Peebles.

According to its website, nationaldayofprayer.org, the National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863.

In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Harry S Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.