Day of Prayer set for Thursday

People are invited to Town Square this Thursday for an annual gathering of collective prayer, religious and patriotic song, and free food in observance of the National Day of Prayer.

Brian Barrows, lead pastor at Abundant Life Ministries and who helps organize the gathering, said the event is hosted by the Greater Havre Area Ministerial Association.

The event is one of many held throughout the U.S. and 18 held throughout Montana, the National Day of Prayer website says.

A joint resolution passed by Congress and signed by President Harry S. Truman in 1952 established an annual national day of prayer, the National Day of Prayer website says. The law was amended in 1988 and designated the first Thursday in May the National Day of Prayer.

Each year, the president signs a proclamation encouraging all Americans to pray on that day, the website says. Last year all 50 state governors and the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

Barrows said churches taking part will begin setting up tables of food at about 11 a.m. People will then start singing patriotic and gospel songs at 11:45 a.m.

He added that the National Day of Prayer has a different focus every year and this year’s focus is unity.

Barrows said that at noon Pastor Norman Johnson of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will lead the crowd in an opening prayer. Pastor Chad McKenzie of the Nazarene New Beginnings Fellowship will then give an opening message about unity.

A series of collective prayers will be said including for unity in America; unity among denominations; unity in the family, workplace. communities and cities; unity among all people, and a clear and a united vision and great spiritual awakening in America.

A prayer will then be said for the military and government, Barrows said.

He added that the event will conclude with a closing prayer and with the singing of God Bless America.

Barrows said the event should end by 12:45 a.m.