The Mount Airy Ministerial Association is preparing for this year’s National Day of Prayer ceremony, set for Thursday, May 3, at 11:45 a.m.

This year’s 61st annual event will be held on the front lawn of the Mount Airy Municipal Building on South Main Street.

During the observance, the ministerial association and Surry County citizens will join the millions across the country who celebrate the Day of Prayer by uniting in prayer and observing this year’s theme of “One Nation Under God.”

“This theme is based on Psalm 33:12, which reminds us that ‘blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord’,” said association president the Rev. Bob Josey.

The agenda for this year’s observance is as follows:

11:45 a.m. — Musical prelude by Evelyne Gunter

11:55 a.m. — Musical special by Mildred Gillespie and Basil Haunn

Noon — Welcome by Rev. Bob Josey

12:02 p.m. — Proclamation by Mayor Deborah Cochran

12:05 p.m. — Prayer for America’s Hope by the Rev. Richard Loman

12:09 p.m. — Hymn: One verse of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”

12:10 p.m. — NDP Sermon by the Rev. Lonnie Gunter

12:25 p.m. — Benediction by Ewell Vernon

12:28 p.m. — All rise and sing “God Bless America”

The event is designed to give residents of the county the chance to pause and recognize the blessings of the Lord, organizers said.

“With all of the uncertain challenges that defy simple answers in our country today, this is one time that the American people can bind together seeking Almighty God’s guidance, protection and blessing,” Josey said.

Reach Keith Strange at kstrange@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1929.