Beech Tree News Network

Thursday will mark the 65th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. 

A National Day of Prayer ceremony will take place in front of the Butler County Courthouse Thursday at noon. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Gasper River Association of Baptist at 530 Helm Lane, Morgantown.

According to Prayer Coordinator, Gina Tynes, the theme scripture this year is Isaiah 58:1, "Shout it aloud, do not hold back.  Raise your voice like a trumpet."

Morgantown Care & Rehabilitation Center will celebrate the National Day of Prayer with an event at their 201 S. Warren St. location at 2 p.m. Thursday.  

A number of special guests are scheduled to attend the event at MCRC, including residents and employees, families and communities coming together to pray for the world around them. 

"We are proud to be part of a movement that joins people of all faiths, traditions and cultures in the practice of prayer," said facility Administrator/CEO Amy Phelps. 

 The National Day of Prayer goes back to 1952 when it was first signed into law by President Truman. President Reagan amended it in 1988 so the National Day of Prayers falls on the first Thursday of May.