As pastor of Lewisburg First Baptist Church, Dr. Thomas Dumser has grown accustomed to leading prayers in public. After 30 years in ministry it comes with the territory.

Dumser is keenly aware, however, that many of those in his congregation -- as well as many people in general -- are distinctly uncomfortable when it comes to offering a public prayer.

"I've had people tell me, 'Don't call on me to pray in public, not even a benediction. Please,'" Dumser confides. "I'm not sure why that is. I've been praying in public so long now that I no longer really even remember a time when I felt uncomfortable about it. But I know many people do struggle with it."

So, when First Baptist Church hosted a National Day of Prayer service Thursday evening, Dumser made certain there was ample opportunity for anyone who wished to do so to join in community prayer. After a brief song service and scripture readings the congregation broke into smaller groups to allow everyone the chance to voice his or her prayer in a less intimidating atmosphere than that represented by a church sanctuary crowded with people.

See Friday's Tribune for the complete story.