From Staff Reports
Flood victims will top the prayer list at the local observance of the National Day of Prayer Thursday. The service will begin at noon and will last approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
The service, traditionally held at the gazebo on the Butler County Courthouse lawn, is moving to the Bread Shed main distribution center 203 M. D St., off Business Highway 60 East.
The forecast of a 90 percent chance of rain is the reason for the move, said Rev. Jack Dilday. While those attending will offer the traditional prayers for national, state and local leaders and others in leadership positions, flood victims, as well emergency workers - law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel- will top the list.
Others to be included are students, teachers and other school personnel, hospital staff and patients.
Dilday of the Kingdom News Now ministry and Stinson Press are sponsoring the event, which for many years was planned by the local Ministerial Alliance, Dilday said.
The Praise Team from the West Side Church of God will provide two musical selections.
Dilday said, while between 15 and 18 area pastors are expected to attend, everyone is invited and the program is designed around the lunch hour to make it easier for those wanting to come pray.
The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation."
The modern law formalizing its annual observance was enacted in 1952, although earlier days of fasting and prayer had been established by the Second Continental Congress from 1775 until 1783, and by President John Adams in 1798 and 1799. Most presidents have issued annual or special occasion proclamations for a national day of prayer, with the notable exception of Andrew Jackson. Thomas Jefferson also issued a day of prayer and thanksgiving, but this occurred while serving as governor of Virginia.