Seventy years after the annual event was first observed in 1952, the 2022 National Day of Prayer will take place Thursday.

Beginning at noon, community leaders and members will gather on the front steps of the Lincoln County/Brookhaven Governmental Complex to pray together.

Seven “Centers of Influence” are the focus each year for NDOP, with prayer encouraged for government, the military, media, business, education, churches and families.

Lincoln Baptist Association Missionary David Williams, this year’s organizer, said a couple of extra emphases may also be added. The event will include presentation of the U.S. flag by the Brookhaven High School ROTC and singing of the National Anthem by Brookhaven Academy’s choral group.

Some of the community leaders who are scheduled to pray are Brookhaven Schools Superintendent Rod Henderson, BA headmaster Jason Case, and pastors Philip Sterling, Tyler Bridge and David Fortenberry.

“This year’s theme is from Colossians 2, verses 6-7,” Williams said. “‘Exalt the Lord who has established us.’ I’m looking forward to this time of prayer for our community and nation.”

The community is encouraged to attend the event, expected to last less than a half-hour.