More than 70 years after it began, the National Day of Prayer continued on Thursday, May 1. It’s traditionally been marked on the first Thursday in May since 1952. To celebrate, people of various faiths in Delaware County gathered for the 32nd annual National Day of Prayer Service at Rose Tree Park in Media.
Patti Bruno, who co-directs the Delaware County Task Force with her daughter Gabrielle, set this year’s theme as “May the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace,” taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, 15:13.
Held from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., this nondenominational event suited those who wished to take time to pray during their lunch hour. Attendees brought their own chairs and picnic blankets as well as their own lunches. Sabatino’s Pizzeria was on hand providing free slices of pizza for everyone. A Mister Softee truck was there as well and the first 125 people in line received a free ice cream cone.
“We welcome everybody to the 2025 National Day of Prayer,” said Gabrielle Bruno. “We cry out to the living God to bless our nation. I thank you for letting the Holy Spirit be flexible here today.”
The day brought out many repeat attendees like Joe and Marty McIlvaine, parishioners of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Media and members of the Delaware County Task Force.
Among newcomers was Bryan Butera, a parishioner of St. Pius X Parish in Broomall. He happened to cross paths with the Bruno family on Holy Thursday and was invited to join this year’s task force. Since his mother Dee and sister Christie previously served as members, he agreed to carry on the family tradition.
“I have heard of this event in the past,” said Butera. “I heard a calling to help out. It felt like the right time.”
Prayers were offered for Israel and for peace in the Middle East; government leaders in the United States; peace and the ending of all wars; the Church; teachers, students and the education system; the media; marriages, families, children, and the unborn; veterans, military, police, fire and emergency medical teams as well as business persons and professionals.
“Open the eyes of the blind of our people, throughout Jerusalem,” said Rebbetzin Debbie Chernoff of Congregation Beth Yeshua in Media. “We pray for the salvation of your people throughout Jerusalem. Bless this city of Jerusalem. Arise this day for Israel’s comfort. You alone, O God, are able to bring peace in the Middle East.”
Pastor Elliot Liverman of Saboath Ministries, Berks and Montgomery Counties, led the 2025 National Prayer that everyone was invited to recite aloud.
“God of hope, fill us with joy and peace in believing, so that we will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” the crowd prayed. “In abounding hope, anchored by our hope in the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen!”
Attendees at the service prayed in song as well. Selections included “Awesome God,” “Rise Up,” “Servant Song,” “By Our Love,” “The Lord’s Prayer Hymnal,” “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “Spirit of the Lord,” “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory,” and “The Blessing.”
“You can be a good example no matter who you are,” said Juliette Renneisen, a member of the Delaware County Task Force along with her parents, Brian and Raven. “You’re spreading God’s word.”
The day ended with benediction given by Pastor Editus Addy of Agape International Outreach Ministries in Collingdale.
Next year’s National Day of Prayer will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026 marking 75 years.
“It’s been beautiful to see how the Lord has blessed this land,” said Gabrielle Bruno. “The Lord always shows up in a beautiful way.”
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