The National Day of Prayer is observed annually in the United States on the first Thursday of May. This year it will be observed in Lincoln County May 4 at noon in front of the Lincoln County/Brookhaven Government Complex.

The NDOP was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress and signed into law by Pres. Harry S. Truman. The original law called for “a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday” to be set aside “on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.”

On the 1988 NDOP, Pres. Ronald Reagan signed an amended law, specifying the first Thursday in May each year as the National Day of Prayer.

The 2023 theme is “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much.” It is taken from the Biblical book of James — “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (5:16b).

“I’m looking forward to it,” said David Williams, Association Mission Strategist of the Lincoln County Baptist Association. The LCBA has historically organized the event locally. “We have a short program planned with calls to prayer.”

Williams said he was happy to have groups of students and young people participating from the Mississippi Adolescent Center, Brookhaven High School, and Brookhaven Academy, as well as Lincoln County School District Superintendent Dr. David Martin. Local pastors, law enforcement and government leaders, veterans and legislators will be present, with some participating in the program.

Prayers will be offered for: community, city and county; schools and education system; economy and business; military; family, ministry and mission; law enforcement and first responders; and the nation and political leaders.

In the event of rain, the program will be moved inside the Complex.