By Alison James
Associate Editor
Hands clasped and heads bowed, Lee County residents will gather May 7 for the National Day of Prayer activities at the Courthouse Square in Opelika.
“We just have a prayer and praise gathering,” explained Laura Fuller, one of the coordinators of the event along with Bill White and Larry Torbert.
The non-denominational, hour-long service is one of many that will be held across the country on this day, which was signed into law under President Harry Truman in 1952 and today is promoted by a task force with the mission to “mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture,” according to its website.
Lee County’s observance will begin at noon Thursday. Tents and folding chairs are provided by the city of Opelika, but Fuller said people are welcome to bring chairs and may bring umbrellas to block the sun or rain. People are also welcome to come late or leave early, as necessary.
Any severe weather will move the ceremonies indoors to First Baptist Church of Opelika.
The event, Fuller said, is a Judeo-Christian gathering, although people of all faiths are invited to attend.
“This is just one way God’s people can join in unity to show public support of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Fuller said. “We have the freedom and right to gather and proclaim our God publicly – thank goodness we still have that freedom. I think the Lord has blessed our nation over the years.”
City representative prayer leaders will be Mayor Gary Fuller of Opelika and Ron Anders of Auburn. Other prayer leaders will join them.
“We just ask these different people to pray as the spirit leads them,” Fuller said.
This year’s national theme is “Lord, hear our cry,” taken from I Kings 8:28.
The service will also be broadcast on 910 AM radio, “The Touch,” for those who are unable to attend.
To learn more about the National Day of Prayer and view details on other observances throughout the country, visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org.