‘Light Up the Square’ youth-led event added
What began four years ago as “a simple prayer meeting at the gazebo” on Main Plaza has blossomed into a triple header of worship, praise and community worship as Thursday brings National Day of Prayer to Boerne.
Rob O’Connell, one of the core organizers of the Boerne Prays group, said this is a second go-round in the city for participation in the national observance, which the Ministerial Alliance previously sponsored and held at various community churches.
“This is the first time we’ve gone public, and used public venues, to meet and invite people from the city to join together,” O’Connell said.
The National Day of Prayer Boerne begins with the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, 8 a.m. at Las Guitarras Restaurant, 911 S. Main St. Tickets are $15 per person for the breakfast, available online at boerneprays.org.
Those joining Mayor Frank Ritchie include the Rev. Mark Quick, Living Hope Church; the Rev. Bernie Berg, Boerne River Church; Father David Chacko, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church; the Rev. Ruben Mendez, Iglesia Cornerstone; and Alfred Gallegos, Cross Mountain Church.
The Day of Prayer starts at noon on Main Plaza, where community leaders — including state Sen. Donna Campbell, Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk, Ritchie, Sheriff Al Auxier and County Commissioner Andra Wisian — will offer “Prayer for all in authority,” meaning those who are in positions to serve the residents of Boerne and Kendall County.
New this year is “Light Up the Square,” a youth-led prayer event set for 7 p.m. on Main Plaza.
This marks the 75th annual National Day of Prayer in the United States. Since 1952, Congress has designated the first Thursday in May a day for Americans “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”
The theme for 2026 is, “Glorify God among the nations; Seek him in all generations,” from 1 Chronicles 16:24.
“Prayer is so simple and so easy, and so freely given.”
— Will Smith Will Smith is in his third year with the Day of Prayer organizers, including a half-dozen individuals who launched the first one for Boerne in 2023.
“I’ve tried to be a good advocate of faith, especially for my community and co-workers,” Smith said. “This is just a nice way to come together and enrich the faith aspect of how important it is within our community.”
He added, “Prayer is so simple and so easy, and so feely given.”
O’Connell addressed the “Light Up the Square” youth-led event.
“We really thought we should lean in to this because we believe God is moving greatly among the Gen-Zs,” O’Connell said. “Many people are coming to faith because they’re lost, without hope and God offers them a way forward. So, we’re very enthusiastic about having the youth-led event.”
Serving the local National Day of Prayer became a staple for Smith once he heard of the group’s formation.
“I just think it’s a really worthwhile cause,” Smith said. “It’s impactful. People walk away and are like, ‘Wow. That was easy and such a blessing to be a part of.’”
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