Matthew 18:19-20 says, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

For the 11th year, Clark Countians will gather to pray with one another.

This year, the annual prayer service will be Saturday at Cornerstone Christian Church, located at 40 Belmont Ave.

The annual service was first organized by Clark County Judge-Executive Henry Branham and Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner in 2005, and the two of them have planned each service since then.

There will be special prayers by community leaders for our schools and teachers; volunteers, nonprofits and churches; courts, law enforcement and emergency responders; active duty and retired military; elected officials, appointed officials and civil government; and those in distress.

In addition to the planned prayers, the floor will be open for the community to ask for prayer for specific issues.

People are quick to point out all the problems our community faces — unemployment, drug addiction and other substance abuse, children living in poverty or being neglected or abused, and so much more. Many people can begin to feel hopeless and helpless.

But as God promises in Matthew, praying together is a powerful tool. Whatever faith, denomination or background we come from, the issues that affect our community affect us all.

Opportunities to put aside our differences and unite for a common cause are few and far between. But, it is important to pray together for the very important and pressing issues Winchester and Clark County faces.

The past year offered its share of things to praise and criticize.

Clark County has seen its fair share of triumphs and tragedies.

What better way to usher in a new beginning than to praise God and thank him for the many wonderful things that happened in 2016, while also lifting up those in need and those who suffered loss. If we seek guidance through prayer, we can move forward with confidence.

Even if only two arrive to pray for our community, we are certain God will listen. But, we hope more will make it out for this valuable and touching community event.