Kern County shows the power of prayer with big turnout for 73rd annual National Day of Prayer

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — In trying times, keeping the faith can feel almost impossible. However, Thursday marked the 73rd annual National Day of Prayer. To commemorate the day, millions across the country and hundreds in Kern County remained steadfast in their belief in a need for prayer.

Yesterday they were mere strangers, but Thursday they were hundreds of believers together singing and praying for our nation, leaders, all who have served, and our community hoping their prayers would touch those who needed them.

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“Law enforcement, our armed military, the leaders of this nation, from the top all the way down to the bottom,” said attendee James Coburn.

The theme of the event was “lift up the Word, light up the World” — a theme some said should encourage many to shift back to relying on faith.

“The Word says he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so if we just bring it back. He has never changed his position. I just believe as a people we’ve moved away from God, but we just have to bring it back and refocus,” said attendee Victor Hernandez.

As each prayer rang out, it showed the power of strength in numbers.

“Even the Bible itself teaches that there is something about believers coming together to pray and so we absolutely think it’s important to pray as individuals but also together as a community,” said Pastor of Valley Baptist Church Brian Busby.

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As community members stood together in faith for the day, those who attended urged the work of God does not end here.

“Even in the world, McDonald’s will get your order wrong, 19 to 20 times but you’ll still go back for McDonald’s, you’ll still go back and exchange that burger and you’ll go again, but you go to church, one or two things don’t go your way all of a sudden you don’t go back to church, I want to say, give God a chance, try him at his word and I guarantee he will come through for you,” said Hernandez.

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