By MICHELLE BROOKS
Democrat staff
Concerned citizens of faith will have opportunity to join together in prayer and praise for the state and nation Thursday, May 2, at the Capitol.
A prayer time has been set for 1 p.m. in the Rotunda and several groups will be prayer walking around the building and grounds throughout the day.
The National Day of Prayer was designated by Congress in 1952 and the president usually signs a proclamation. It stems from President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln, who set the example, as did the Continental Congress in 1775.
The theme for the 62nd National Day of prayer is "Pray for America," based on Matthew 12:21: "In his name, the nations will put their hope."
Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Irvine, Calif., and founder of Harvest Crusades, has been named the 2013 honorary chairman. Shirley Dobson is the event's national chairman.
Laurie will give the keynote address at the national observance in Washington, D.C., to be held at the Cannon House Office Building.
Laurie's nationally-syndicated radio program "A New Beginning" is one of the most popular Christian podcast downloads at Apple's iTunes Store. And he has a weekly television program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
He also has authored more than 70 books, including his autobiography "Lost Boy."
"The American people continue to be plagued with challenges that defy simple answers, and our hope lies in humbly seeking the Almighty's guidance, protection, and blessing - not only on the National Day of Prayer, but throughout the year," Dobson said.
Other mid-Missouri events, include the 7 a.m. Mayor and Presiding Commissioner's National Day of Prayer Breakfast featuring David Griffith, director of the Capital City Area Red Cross, and several public school locations will hold student-led, flag pole prayer rallies before the school day.
On the Web: www.NationalDayofPrayer.org
www.greglaurie.com