Communities across the nation had to change the way they usually gather for the National Day of Prayer by meeting online.

The National Day of Prayer is held the first Thursday in May, when people get together to pray for their local communities, the nation and the world.

This year, an emphasis was asking God for healing in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. The theme was “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth.”

The Youngstown observance of National Day of Prayer included comments from state and local community leaders, including Gov. Mike DeWine.

DeWine said efforts are being made to get the economy going while keeping people safe.

“It is a very dangerous virus that will not go away for awhile,” he said.

DeWine said churches are asked to be safe with their congregations.

“Many churches have done amazing things on the radio, on the internet, in their parking lots. Churches have been very innovative in reaching the members of their congregations while staying safe. Be safe and keep the distance. We do not want anyone getting sick,” he said.

DeWine said when churches begin to open, they still should keep the distance for people to be safe.

The Rev. Rafael Cruz, event coordinator with NOW Youngstown, said in early 1952 during the Korean War, the Rev. Billy Graham proposed a National Day of Prayer for leaders of all countries to come together to pray.

“He said what a thrilling glorious thing it would be for the leaders of our country to come together before God. It would help renew hope and courage during this time of peril.

“I believe that desire of Rev. Billy Graham and that prayer is something that we need today at this time of peril,” Cruz said. “He did that during the Korean War and we are fighting a new war with the coronavirus throughout America. These are unprecedented times. We all need to turn back to the Lord.”

He said that along with prayer, there should be acts of love, unity and compassion.

“We all know there is hope and that hopes lies with us seeking God. Before our nation can rise up against these challenges, we must humbly fall to our needs before the all powerful God. That is what today is all about,” Cruz said.

Youngstown Mayor Jamal Tito Brown said during difficult times, it is important to put politics aside and people first in order to get things done. He said it is important to have unity during this time.

Brown said even during the coronavirus crisis and the economic shutdown, it was important to have a National Day of Prayer locally in some format.

The Trumbull County National Day of Prayer, hosted by the Trumbull County Prayer Movement, usually features morning and evening events. This year, it was held in the morning on Facebook from the Jericho Center in Bazetta.

Pastor Dan Barker of Cortland Trinity Baptist Church said the pandemic has affected everyone and “turned the world upside down.”

“We have all been put in a situation where we are not sure what to do. People have been struggling because of the distancing and the social isolation. They are afraid of losing their jobs. I tell them to pray and God will provide encouragement and hope,” Barker said.

Virus updates seems dire every day, he said.

“It is news of death, death and death. It is really affecting our psyche.

“God is not about death and destruction but about life,” Barker said.

Pastor David Natale of Church at Warren in Bazetta said in the current times of separation, isolation and depression, mixed with the fear of death and for the future, it is important to pray in unity with God to get us through.

Pastor Everett Whiteside of Higher Praise Covenant Church in Warren said it is important to overcome the fear we have today.

“Believe in the power that God is here to help us cast out that fear,” he said.

Pastor Matt Lowe of Journey Christian Church in Cortland said, “It is important that we live faithfully not fearfully. It is a time where we are all trying to decipher what we are all hearing. The place we can go to for help is the word of God and cling to it. We need to stay focused on the Lord.”

Pastor Jordan Biel of Rock of Grace Family Ministries said this chaotic pandemic is causing frustration for many people.

“We are frustrated that we are in our homes and can’t go to work or to worship with each other at church. In the midst of this frustration it is causing each Christian to come face to face with the Lord and express our love to him,” Biel said.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com