Local residents are invited to gather on the front steps of the Lincoln County Courthouse at 12 noon on Thursday, May 1, to observe the 57th Annual "National Day of Prayer (NDP)."

Locally, the day of prayer and repentance is being sponsored by the Lincoln County Ministerial Association.

The theme for the day, "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield," is based on Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped."

Dr. Ravi Zacharias, world-renowned theologian, teacher, lecturer, and author, is serving as the honorary NDP chairman for 2008 and will address the national gathering in Washington, D.C. Dr. Zacharias is a resident of Atlanta.

During the thousands of NDP programs held all over the United States, participants will join together in prayer for the nation and its leaders, military personnel, and citizens. Organizers of the Lincoln County Day of Prayer are adding state and local officials, churches, and families to the list.

Church leaders taking part in the prayer service at the courthouse are: Rev. James James, pastor of Martin's Crossroads Congregational Holiness Church; Travis Reid, Mulberry C.M.E. Church; Rev. Dan Rosser, pastor of Lincolnton Baptist Church; Rev. Dan Fernandez, pastor of Morningside Baptist Church; Rev. Keith Etheridge, pastor of Double Branches Baptist Church; and Russell Davis, pastor of New Work Baptist Church.

Special music for the service will be provided by Karen James.

The community-wide prayer services are held each year by proclamation of the president and the governors of all 50 states.

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America as evidenced by the Continental Congress' proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer, and in 1988, that law was amended, designating the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer.

"On behalf of the Lincoln County Ministerial Association, I would like to invite everyone to come and join us at the courthouse as we unite with perhaps millions of other Americans in praying for our nation," said Rev. James James, president of the ministerial association.

"The Biblical principles upon which our country was founded are coming under attack - perhaps like never before, but prayer changes things," he continued. "Prayer changes the heart of an individual, and prayer can change a nation.

"If you are not able to attend, I am confident that you will join us in prayer as we pray together, 'God, bless America.'"

In the event of rain, services will be held in the courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse.