Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford Addresses Faith Leaders at National Day of Prayer Breakfast

“Celebrating Peace and Unity in the Community” was Theme of the Day

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today celebrated the National Day of Prayer with a prayer breakfast at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. More than 100 faith leaders from throughout the state joined him in praying for Marylanders, the state, and the country.

“National Day of Prayer brings people of all religions together to pray for our communities, our state, and our nation,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “In the fast-paced world we live in, it is more important than ever to make time to reflect on our faith and how it can positively impact our relationships and the world around us.”

“Today presents a special opportunity to come together in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving, as we turn to a higher power for guidance in our own lives, for our state, and for our country,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “While the form of our individual faiths may vary, all of us are united by our understanding of the healing and abiding power of prayer.”

Pastor Stacey Shiflett, of Calvary Baptist Church in Dundalk, delivered the keynote address and Pastor Dr. Manon Gurley from the Tabernacle Church in Laurel blessed the breakfast. Imam Faizul Kahn of the Islamic Society of Washington Area; Rev. Starlette McNeill, associate pastor, Village Baptist Church, Bowie; Elder Kevin Calderwood, Area Seventy, NANE, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; and other religious leaders were also in attendance.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, when all faiths come together to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress that was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.