'Nation needs prayer,' Posey, others say at Melbourne breakfast

MELBOURNE - One is a longtime U.S. congressman who talked about relying on countless supporters as he and other representatives struggle to deal with the life and death issues facing the nation. A few seats away was a woman who once was homeless and living in a Palm Bay storage unit, but now ministers to others mired in poverty and need.

The Rev. Marcela Rojas and U.S. Rep. Bill Posey were among nearly 250 people gathered Thursday at The Grand Manor for the 11th annual Space Coast Prayer Breakfast. All touted the power of vocal prayer in changing hearts in a time of culture wars and spiritual battles in every facet of life in America, from education to government and the media.

"That's why I'm here," said Rojas, who attended the early morning event before leading another prayer in Palm Bay's Pinewood neighborhood.

"These prayers raise awareness. People need to come to see what's happened. You're not going to notice what's really happening out there if we stay in our gated communities."

The breakfast, with honorary chairman Posey, was one of a number of faith gatherings held in churches, public parks and other spaces in Brevard and across the country for the National Day of Prayer. The theme, “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much” is based on Christian scripture found in James 5:16.

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Posey credited the prayers of "so many people" for giving him strength to deal with the day to day issues that come before Congress. Over the last few years, the nation has faced a pandemic that killed 1.1 million Americans, increasingly bitter political rancor, economic concerns over inflation and debates over abortion and gender issues.

"I know, just as you do, how badly this country needs prayer," Posey told the attentive audience. Later, Posey said that Americans and people of faith should know that the prayer is needed for "the survival of the nation. One hundred percent."

In Washington, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation for the National Day of Prayer, touching on themes of civility and social justice.

"Today, I pray that we can see each other as we should: not as enemies but as neighbors, and not as adversaries but as fellow Americans and human beings," Biden said.

"Only when we see ourselves in each other will justice, as scripture tells us, 'roll down like waters,' righteousness become 'a mighty stream,' and America fulfill its true promise as a land of liberty and justice for all."

In Melbourne, dozens of pastors, community advocates and elected officials packed the Grand Manor banquet hall, bowing heads and closing eyes to pray for God's guidance in the nation's affairs and wisdom for elected officials. Among the elected officials attending were Katye Campbell, a member the Brevard School Board; former U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon; and Blaise Trettis, public defender. The gathering also provided a chance for pastors and ministry heads to network.

"This was very good," Trettis said of the event.

Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina, whose public professions of faith regarding his non-attendance at recent council meetings intended to fill a council vacancy have made headlines, was also there, swaying in prayer and urging the audience to seek God.

But Medina evoked a call for more patience and love in the political discourse.

"This is a part of our nation's foundation. Faith belongs in political discussion but what I don't see today is love," he said.

"My prayer is for the love of God to overshadow the nation."

J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Rep. Posey: Country badly needs prayer for survival of nation