National Day of Prayer observances are being planned for Thursday, May 3 in communities of central and north Baldwin County.
According to its website, nationaldayofprayer.org, the National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863.
In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Harry S Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

Bay Minette

The City of Bay Minette will observe the National Day of Prayer with a pair of programs sponsored by the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Group and the North Baldwin Ministerial Association.
The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Group will host an observance from 8 to 9 a.m. in the council chambers at Bay Minette City Hall, 301 D’Olive St. Light breakfast will be served.
At noon, a time of prayer and reflection will be held at the Baldwin County Courthouse Gazebo beginning at noon.
Both observances will follow this year’s theme “Unity,” based on Ephesians 4:3 “Making every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.”
Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 251-580-1619.

Central Baldwin Chamber
The Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s 14th annual Prayer Breakfast will be held at the Baldwin County Coliseum, 19477 Fairgrounds Road, Robertsdale.
This year’s theme is “Obtain Mercy and Find Grace.” Presenting sponsor is Baldwin EMC, breakfast will be served beginning at 6:45 a.m., followed by a program at 7 a.m.
Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack began the Chamber’s Prayer Breakfast 13 years ago when he served as chairman of the Chamber Board.
Featured speaker for this year’s event is the Rev. Dr. Ted Traylor, radio and television host, world-renowned speaker, author and pastor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida.
This year’s theme is taken from Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of God, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
For more information or to purchase tickets call the Chamber at 251-947-2626.

Summerdale
The town of Summerdale will host its 27th Annual Day of Prayer service beginning at noon at the Summerdale Municipal Complex, 502 Lee St., a half-block off Alabama 59, in Summerdale.
“Unity” will also be the theme in Summerdale. Pastors of local churches will offer prayers for the church, our military, education, family, government, business and the media. Guest speaker will be Baldwin County District Attorney Robert Wilters.
The event is free and open to the public. A complimentary lunch will be provided following the service. Boxed take-out lunches are available.
For more information call 251-979-8500.