For the 16th year, residents will gather at the Bulloch County Courthouse on Thursday for the National Day of Prayer.

According to Public Law 105-225, "The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals."

The 2017 National Day of Prayer will be held Thursday with the theme "For Your Great Name's Sake," based on Bible verse Daniel 9:19. This is the 66th year of observation, said Ed Neubert, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Statesboro and coordinator of the local event.

With a prayer gathering at noon on the courthouse lawn, Neubert said the event has become increasingly popular with each passing year.

Pastor John Waters of First Baptist Church, along with other local spiritual leaders, are slated to speak, and Statesboro Mayor Jan Moore will read this year's National Prayer, he said.

Joe Conyers, worship pastor at Believers Church, will provide music, and a small group prayer will be held afterward, he said. The gathering will end with the group singing "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America."

The event is free and open to the public. Neubert suggested those attending bring umbrellas in case of inclement weather.