Putnam County and the City of Cookeville officially declare May 2, 2024, as "Putnam County and Cookeville's Day of Prayer" in alignment with the 73rd observance of the National Day of Prayer.
This decision was announced collaboratively by the city and county governments in a proclamation issued Wednesday, March 24.
Laurin Wheaton, Cookeville mayor, and Randy Porter, Putnam County mayor, signed the proclamation Wednesday afternoon in the council chambers at Cookeville City Hall. Local members of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, a private nonprofit organization, were also in attendance.
The proclamation acknowledges the historical reliance of national leaders on prayer for guidance and strength, dating back to the First Continental Congress in 1775. It also highlights the importance of freedom of religion, stating, “We, as citizens of Putnam County, value the freedom we have to gather and pray.”.
The proclamation invites Cookeville and Putnam County residents of all religions and denominations to come together in prayer. A local observance will be held on the south lawn of the Putnam County Courthouse at 11:30 a.m. on May 2 for those who wish to participate.
“This is a day where we can come together and pray for God’s guidance for our leaders and his grace upon us as a people,” says Mayor Wheaton. “It is meant to unite us all in praying for our nation and remind us of the simple importance of prayer.”
“Please join us as we gather on the Courthouse lawn,” entreats Mayor Porter. “It is always a special day to have so many people praying for our country, military and elected leaders. Thank you to the committee that organizes the event each year.”
The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 and occurs annually on the first Thursday in May. This year’s theme is "Lift Up The Word - Light Up The World" and is Biblically derived from 2 Samuel 22:29-31.
For more information about Putnam County and Cookeville's Day of Prayer events and activities, residents can contact the Putnam County National Day of Prayer Task Force at (931)261-5020 or visit nationaldayofprayer.org.
Photo caption:
Back row includes members of the Putnam County chapter of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. From left to right: Lashantrice M-Beard, Peggy Slagle, Karen Velasquez, Karla McKinney, Angi Linde, Jennifer Dewar, Debbie Holmes, Marcia Mullins.
Front row, from left to right: Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter and City of Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton.