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Community residents are invited to participate in a local service observing the National Day of Prayer on Thursday.
Each year, organizers of the National Day of Prayer select a theme, and the 2023 calls for fervent prayer across the country.
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, bringing together people of all faiths to pray for our nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. This year’s theme is derived from James 5:16b, Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
The local observance will be held on the steps of the Escambia County Courthouse on Belleville Avenue beginning at 12:05 p.m. and lasting until 12:35 p.m.
Brewton First Baptist Church, located next door to the courthouse, will open their sanctuary for the services if weather becomes an issue. The church will also open their prayer room for the community beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday.
Pastors slated to share prayers include an opening prayer by the Rev. Cavin Cawthon. The Rev. Macon Phillips will lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flags and offer a prayer for military. The Rev. Steve Massingill will offer prayer and scripture for families followed by a prayer and scripture for churches by the Rev. Tommy Quick. A prayer for businesses will be offered by the Rev. Parker Johnson with a prayer for education by the Rev. Russell Clausell to follow. The Rev. Todd Ray will lead those gathered in song to My Country Tis of Thee. The Rev. Blake Mohling will offer prayer for government followed by a prayer for media by the Rev. Drake Dorsett. The Rev. Jeff Edwards will offer a prayer for first responders and will be followed by the Rev. Todd Ray leading in God Bless America. The Rev. Pat Poole will offer the benediction.
According to the National Day of Prayer website, there’s a need for every individual to take time to personal repentance and prayer and to mobilize the Christian community.