Albany Dougherty National Prayer Committee to celebrate National Day of Prayer

ALBANY — For Larry Price, members of the Albany Dougherty National Prayer Committee (ALDON) and the faithful throughout the community, the search for the answer to the region’s myriad issues can be found, literally and metaphorically, with believers on their knees.

That will be the scene on May 2 when ALDON joins the faithful across the nation in celebrating the 73rd National Day of Prayer. The local event will be held at the downtown Government Center starting at noon.

“We had a very successful Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast (in February), and now we move on to the upcoming 73rd National Day of Prayer,” Price, the group’s volunteer chairman, said. “The event will be held downtown at the Albany Dougherty Government Center Plaza Courtyard behind the fountain. All citizens and leaders from the city and county, as well as state and national officials, are invited to this free event. No offering will be taken.”

Speakers at this year’s National Day of Prayer event include Pastor Keisha Cory from Hope City United Church, Dr. Steve Kitchen, the retired CMO for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and Jim Morrow, pastor of First Methodist Church Albany. The Rev. Charles Jones will lead participants in patriotic hymns. At the end of the speakers’ session everyone will be given an opportunity to gather together in small groups of 6-8 for their time to pray for the city, county, state and nation.

“Prayer is not seasonal, rather it is a daily discipline,” Price said. “We gather together to maintain the momentum of this national event in our city.”

The theme for the 73rd National Day of Prayer is “Lift up the Word, Light up the World” from 2nd Samuel 22:29-31, which reads, “You, Lord, are my lamp, the Lord turns my darkness into light. With your help, I can advance against a troop, with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the Lord’s Word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”

Cory studied Education and Music at Lee University. Married to Pastor Trent Cory, she is active as a wellness and health coach. She graduated from Byne Memorial Baptist School.

Kitchen served the people of southwest Georgia for 31 years at Phoebe before retiring. As an independent obstetrician and gynecologist, he delivered 2,500 babies. He became the Chief Medical Officer for Phoebe in 2014. He grew up in Atlanta and attended Emory University, Georgia State University and the Medical College of Georgia.

Morrow serves the congregation as senior pastor at First Methodist Church Albany. He is an ordained elder and graduate of Columbus State University and Asbury Theological Seminary.

Jones is a retired minister of music at First Baptist Church Dawson. He and his wife Judy have served many years as Musicians on Missions, singing in concerts and at revivals and worship services.

Along with Price, the retired president of Albany Winnelson Co. and a charter member of Christ Church of Albany, members of ALDON include Wanda Mitchell, Shirley Price, Charles Jones, Cathy Jenkins, Steve Parker, Ida Fowler, Jimmy & Kay Fuller, Laura & Ben Benford, Fred Sumter and Cathy Ivey. Membership is open to others interested in the region’s spiritual health. The group serves in memory of the late Ginny Hayman.

Photo Courtesy of ALDON