“Glorify God Among the Nations” has been chosen as the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer, which will be held locally at 6:30 p.m., May 7 at Ways Garden, 845 W. Fourth St.

Based on 1 Chronicles 16:23, which continues, “Seeking Him in all generations,” the message was set by the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

For 75 years, the United States has celebrated the National Day of Prayer, bringing people together across the country to lift up in prayer the concerns of the nation.

The first call for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting was made at the First Continental Congress in 1775.

Later, in 1863 Abraham Lincoln called for a National Day of Prayer during the Civil War.

In 1952, President Harry S. Truman enacted a law setting a National Day of Prayer which President Ronald Reagan in 1988 established as the first Thursday in May.

For generations Americans have sought the Lord in prayer to guard and guide our Nation.

Every year, the first Thursday of May is an opportunity for Americans to pray together in faith standing on the promises of God.

“We are meeting together as the Body of Christ through His Spirit and the authority of Christ, and we are united as his church and His people,” said Connie Vitolins, a member of Lycoming Centre Presbyterian Church, one of the organizers of the event.

“It’s not for the purpose of political statements or sharing opinions. We’re there to praise and worship our mighty and powerful God, to cry out to Him for the needs of the church in our community and our nation,” she said.

Local members of the faith community are expected to speak. In addition to a time of prayer, worship music will also be featured.

“We have an obligation to the next generation to demonstrate unity with a common Spirit for a common cause, to lift prayers to God for His wisdom, protection, and guidance over the various segments of our community and our Nation. Throughout history there has been a battle between good and evil, and throughout history we’ve relied on faith and trust in the sovereignty and promises of God,” Vitolins said.

All denominations are welcome to participate in this time of prayer which will be held rain or shine.

“We all come from different denominations, but as believers, we are one. We are united as the Church of Christ, Jesus,” Vitolins said.