Ross Gallabrese DAY OF PRAYER — Donovan Martin of the Jefferson County Christian School speaks during Thursday's National Day of Prayer event in Wintersville.

WINTERSVILLE — Having an opportunity to bring area residents together for a moment of reflection is important.

That’s why Wintersville Mayor Mike Petrella has organized a National Day of Prayer event at the village’s Municipal Building since he took office.

“It’s a day that means a lot,” Petrella said Thursday morning. “It’s the one day as country and as a community that we all come together and get to pray together.”

The gathering was one of thousands held across the United States on Thursday. Held annually since 1983, it has a history stretching to 1952. This year’s theme was “Tell of his glory among the nations, his wonderful deeds among all the peoples,” from 1 Chronicles 16:24.

Students from the Jefferson County Christian School led the 30-minute event, reading Scripture, offering prayer and performing several musical selections.

For Donovan Martin, the faculty adviser for spiritual life at the school, it was important for the students to participate.

“It teaches young people to be involved in the community, be active participants and be good citizens,” explained Martin, who delivered the opening remarks and the closing prayer.

Among those attending were village officials, first responders and members of the community.

“It just makes sense — if you are having a National Day of Prayer gathering within walking distance of our school building that our students would be involved in some way,” Martin said. “I always appreciate the mayor reaching out to us.”

Martin said the National Day of Prayer remains a significant event.

“Some might disagree, but I also teach history in our high school, and I don’t know how you teach American history without including the influence of Christianity and the Bible,” he said.

“I know that we try to keep the politics separate from religion, but as a Christian, your faith should impact the entirety of your life,” he continued. “So, to have a day set aside to appeal to God for wisdom, guidance and asking for forgiveness for transgressions seems like a good thing to do.”

Petrella agreed.

“In this day and age, it means a lot to be able to pray as a group,” Petrella said. “I think it’s very important. We’ve kept this tradition going since I got into office, and, hopefully, we can continue it every year. It’s a nice day for everybody just to get together and pray for our country and pray for our community.”