A prayer that unites a county
In this episode of The Filling Station Podcast, Mary Ann LeRay sits down with her dear friend and longtime collaborator Eileen Dove to talk about one of Jones County's most meaningful annual traditions — the Jones County National Day of Prayer Observance. Recorded during Holy Week, the conversation carries the warmth of the season as both women reflect on what it means to come together in prayer across generations, denominations, and neighborhoods.
Roots worth remembering
Eileen shares the history of how this observance grew — tracing it back to the late Ms. Esther Stott, a retired teacher who coordinated the event largely on her own before inviting Eileen and Mary Ann to join her. Ms. Esther believed their shared spirit and personalities would ensure the observance continued long into the future. She was right. What began as one woman's quiet faithfulness has become a countywide gathering of mayors, department heads, pastors, laypeople, musicians, and volunteers who show up year after year — many asking on their own to be part of it.
A theme for this moment in Jones County
The 2026 National Day of Prayer marks the 75th anniversary of the organizing body, with the theme "Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations," drawn from 1 Chronicles 16:24. As Eileen and Mary Ann discuss, this theme couldn't feel more timely — younger leaders are stepping up across the county, seniors and those with disabilities are still showing up to volunteer, and students are being invited to greet attendees at the door. All generations, indeed.
This year's observance takes place Thursday, May 7, at the Jones County Civic Center's large auditorium. Doors open at 11:00 a.m., the program begins at 11:30, corporate prayer starts at noon, and the formal program wraps by 12:30 — because, as Eileen puts it, honoring people's time is part of honoring people. Please note that The Filling Station food pantry will be closed that day so our team can attend. We hope you'll join us.
