National Day of Prayer held at fire station

Mayor Jeremy Smith. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

City of Canyon Lake Mayor Jeremy Smith led the morning ceremony of the Canyon Lake 10th Annual National Day of Prayer last week at the Canyon Lake Fire Station. After Jeremy’s welcome, the Elsinore High School Flying Tigers Junior ROTC Color Guard’s Major Charles Ruhl presented the colors.

Kylene Evans, who has played the harp for 12 years including professionally for five years, played How Great Thou Art in a mesmerizing fashion. Kylene has lived in Canyon Lake since the age of 2.

“I’m so thankful to live in this beautiful place,” Kylene said. “I am thankful to be a part of this National Day of Prayer. It’s such a blessing. God‘s light still shined through the rain and every prayer was uplifting.”

Mayor Jeremy Smith. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Canyon Lake resident Michelle Wynn, who served the country for over 24 years in the U.S. Navy, gave a heart-wrenching speech before her prayer for the military and veterans.

“In honor of this day of prayer, I want to thank God again, for keeping the hundreds of sailors who work for me safe,” she said. “Before every operation I oversaw, I would say a quick prayer: ‘Please, God, keep my men and me safe today’.”

The Elsinore High School Flying Tigers Junior ROTC Color Guard’s Major Charles Ruhl presents the colors at the Canyon Lake National Day of Prayer program. Photo by Joe Kamashian

Those in attendance were given refreshments before the program began. The program also included other speakers, patriotic music and prayer by Canyon Lake church members, city officials, club members and businesses.

The national theme this year was “pray fervently in righteousness and avail much,” James 5:16. National Day of Prayer is a nationwide event and calls on all people of different faiths in the United States to pray for the nation and its leaders. It is held on the first Thursday of May each year.

Harpist Kylene Evans. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

The day was designed to be one where community members could come together to pray for their community, state, nation, and for those who protect the city and serve to protect the country.