A prayer service held on the lawn of the Bulloch County Courthouse will be just one of tens of thousands of prayer events planned across the country today, in recognition of the 61st Annual National Day of Prayer. The service begins at 11:30 a.m.
    This year’s theme, “One Nation Under God” is based on Psalm 33:12: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
    Last year, an estimated 40,000 National Day of Prayer events were held nationwide.
    Michael Calhoun, director of Communications for the National Day of Prayer Task Force said, “Since the days of our founding fathers, prayer has been an indispensable part of our heritage. We must remain faithful in our commitment to intercede on behalf of our nation, and its leaders, especially at this challenging time.”
    Dr. David Jeremiah, founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries will serve as the 2012 Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer and will give the keynote address at the national observance in Washington, D.C., to be held at the Cannon House Office Building.
    The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States, with 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 National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.
    To learn more about the National Day of Prayer, go to www.NationalDayofPrayer.org