Local residents are invited to gather on the front steps of the Lincoln County Courthouse at 12 noon today (Thursday) to observe the 58th 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 Hope," is based on Psalm 33:22: "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You."

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; Rev. Dan Rosser, pastor of Lincolnton Baptist Church; Rev. Keith Etheridge, pastor of Double Branches Baptist Church; Rev. Thomas Moon, pastor of the Bethany-Pine Grove United Methodist Church Charge; Rev. Dennis Quinn, pastor of First Baptist Church; and Rev. Frank Jones of Freedom Ministries.

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

In 2008, approximately 40,000 NDP events were held nationwide.

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