Prayer walk

The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN Fri, May 16 2008

— They came to Douglass Park Saturday to begin a community march.
And for those who were there to honor Black History Month with the annual prayer walk, it didn’t matter if it was a cold and blustery morning. For nearly two hours, about 40 individuals marched up and down the streets north of Oklahoma Highway 7, praising the Lord Jesus Christ, singing hymns and praying for those who were ill or otherwise afflicted.
One group traveled west on Mulberry Avenue from Second Street to Sixth Street, then east on Magnolia back to Second.
This pattern continued through the misty breeze, up and down the rolling hills until the group finally reached its destination of Maple and Sixth, some two miles later.
The group marched for a higher cause. As the prayer that each individual vocally said, “We come against the entry of drugs and gang violence that is attempting to enter our city.”
Also vocalized was concern against corruption and discrimination.
Along the way, the group paused at certain homes and offered prayers and blessings on those who live there in the hopes that their struggles would be lessened.
As the group passed by each home along the trek, some of the residents would stick their heads out the window, wave to the procession and smile in gratitude.
Though each individual involved in the walk was dedicated and excited to march for holier and higher purposes, they also recognized that marching will not be enough.
“The enemy don’t like what we did this morning,” Rev. Melvin “Smokey” Sanders said. “We will be attacked by the adversary for what we’ve done.”
Sanders counseled those in attendance to return home to their families and friends with the dedication to do right, hope for the future and aware of the trials ahead, but with no fear.
He also gave gratitude for the opportunity to live another day and said he hoped that prosperity will continue to rise for everyone in the community.
During the communal prayer to end the morning, Pastor Lacie Munroe shared the story of his heart as proof of the goodness of the Lord and the need to have no fear for the future.
“Last year I was told about the upcoming prayer walk,” Munroe said. “I could not go because I could hardly walk at the time. My doctor had told me that unless I received a heart transplant I would not live another year.”
But thanks to the blessings of the Lord, Munroe said, he did not get a heart transplant and is in nearly perfect health now.
“I was ready to go if it was my time,” he said.
Munrow tredged the two mile walk at the front of the line in complete gratitude and hope for the future.