National Day of Prayer to be observed at Muskingum Park | News, Sports, Jobs

MARIETTA — The National Day of Prayer will be observed at noon Thursday at the Gazebo in Muskingum Park on Front Street in Marietta.

This is the 70th year for the event, which has been held for many years on the Washington County Courthouse steps. However, restricted access to the courthouse necessitated a venue change.

The hour-long program at the Gazebo will be led by area pastors and business leaders. All residents and churches of the Mid Ohio Valley are welcome and are advised to bring their own chair.

This year’s theme is “Exalt the Lord Who has Established Us,” inspired by Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB): “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, 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 National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.

More information on the national event is available at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.