With social distancing requirements brought on by the coronavirus pandemic in mind, Ellsworth residents paused to observe the National Day of Prayer the morning of May 7 — albeit remotely via the Ellsworth Kiwanis Facebook page.

In addition to several prayers and musical selections, John Thaemert of Ellsworth’s Citizen’s State Bank & Trust Company Inc., delivered the day’s message inside the sanctuary of Ellsworth’s First United Methodist Church.

Thaemert’s message focused on the special relationship between a child and their parent.

“We’re not all parents, but we are all certainly children of someone — and we certainly are all one of God’s children,” he said.

Thaemert said as a parent, he enjoys visiting with his children.

“As they get older and get more busy, they have less and less time to visit with me,” Thaemert admitted. “And they become less interested in visiting with me.”

Thaemert said when something goes wrong or they need help, his children become more interested in visiting with him.

“Dad, I need some money or the car won’t start, and so on,” he said. “I am so glad I can help. I’m glad they come to me.”

Thaemert said there were times when he wanted to visit with his dad, but it didn’t always work out.

“He wanted to talk to me, but I had other things to do,” Thaemert said. “And I certainly wish I spent more time talking to him. He’s gone now. I know parents want to talk to their children. I know they long for that.”

Thaemert said that is how our Heavenly Father feels about us.

“I believe He wants to hear from us,” he said. “He does want to talk to us.”

Thaemert said while he can’t claim to know the mind of God, he does know what God intends for us through His inspired word and scripture.

“He tells us to pray and give thanks,” Thaemert said. “God wants to talk to you. He tells us that over and over again. And that’s what prayer is.”

Thaemert said when his children are having a hard time, it’s discouraging to know that there are some things he cannot fix.

“There’s disease, death, terrible storms, calamities — pandemics,” he said. “And I worry about their future.”

Thaemert said our Heavenly Father cares for us.

“He told us in his scripture — I know what plans I have for you,” he said. “A life eternal.”

Thaemert said we are all in God’s care, regardless of what may happen to us during our short time on earth.

“God knows His plan for us,” he added.

Thaemert said during stressful times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we might hear people ask how can a loving God let this happen?

But the fault is not with God, it is with us and in our sin of disobeying God.

“We brought this upon ourselves,” Thaemert said. “He told us not to go there, but we did. Just like our parents have told us many times, don’t do that. Nothing good will happen. But we do it anyway.”

Thaemert said our parents still love us, even though we disobey.

“And I can tell you most certainly, God still loves us. We are his children.”

Thaemert said God could make all the pain and suffering go away.

“And someday he most certainly will,” he added. “He knows we’ll be fine, no matter what happens. He really just wants us to talk to him.”

Thaemert said maybe God wants us to ask Him for help.

“I’ve heard people say the least we can do is pray,” he said. “What? That’s the least you can do?”

Thaemert said prayer is the most we can do.

“That is one of the first things we should think of — there’s power in prayer,” he said. “Prayer is very powerful and God answers prayer.”

“Please join me for my prayer,” he asked. “Father God you told us in Second Chronicles of the Old Testament that if My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.

“Dear Heavenly Father, on this National Day of Prayer, we come this morning to talk to you, to praise you, to thank you for all your blessings and to repent. That we are all selfish, mean spirited and narrow minded. You know us. You knew us before we were born. Please forgive us. Renew us and heal our land. And keep us mindful of your desire for us to talk to you in prayer. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your son. Amen.”