The Wisconsin State Capitol grounds were not packed (as they are for Concerts on the Square). Only a couple of hundred people gathered at the King street entrance for today’s noon hour prayer observance, but even just two or three would have made it a significant prayer meeting.
Joleen Helbig, Wisconsin National Day of Prayer State Coordinator, introduced musicians Leotha and Tamera Stanley, from Madison’s Mt. Zion Church, and Julaine Appling of the Wisconsin Family Council. Appling introduced the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer: “For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear us. Forgive us. Heal us!” The theme is from Daniel 9:19.
Then representatives of the Seven Centers of Power in society led prayer for each of their areas.
Representing government, Hariah Hutkowski prayed for God to grant wisdom that lawmakers would enact good policies. Hutkowski is a legislative assistant to Wisconsin State representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt, and has also served on the Sun Prairie City Council. He noted that Cynthia Whittaker who later led prayers for the family, was a part of the ministry Shelter in the Storm, which gained Sun Prairie city approval for its operations only after the mayor broke a 4-4 tie of the city council.
Representing the military, was Lt. Col. (retired) Bruce Fischer, of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He read Psalm 91, which he said was a favorite of a World War II POW that he knew. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
Representing the media, was Steve Bracco, General Manager of radio stations WSTM/91.3FM and WJUB/1420AM in Sheboygan. He noted the progress in communication from printing, to broadcasting, to the internet. “God uses it all for His glory,” he said.
Representing business was Daniel Dharam of Salt Company and representing education was Moji Olaniyan, Assistant Dean for Academic Enhancement Program at the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Representing the church were two Madison pastors, Marcus Allen of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Pedro Ruiz Jr. of Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal, who spoke on the importance of praying constantly and making prayer a lifestyle.
In addition to the noon hour observance, the North Hearing Room of the capital was the designated prayer room for the day, with prayer led by several churches and ministries from 8am to 12pm and 1-5pm.
Top row, left to right: Hariah Hutkowski, Bruce Fischer, Steve Bracco, Daniel Dharam. Bottom row, left to right: Moji Olaniyan, Pastor Marcus Allen, Pastor Pedro Ruiz Jr., Cynthia Whittaker.
The National Day of Prayer Observance at the U.S. Capitol – Christian Post