In a tradition that dates all the way back to 1952, people from various faiths gathered last Thursday to observe the National Day of Prayer.
President Harry S. Truman signed a resolution in that year to invite people to join together to pray for the nation. While the first National Day of Prayer was held on July 4th, it was moved to the first Thursday of May by President Ronald Reagan. In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed legislation adding the day to the list of patriotic and national observances and instructed that the sitting president shall issue a proclamation each year designating the National Day of Prayer.
In Lowell, the weather for the day was rainy but that didn’t keep people away.
Those in attendance joined together in prayer for the government, military, media, business, education, churches and families.
Pastor Jon Pickens of the Lowell First Baptist Church led the group in song.
Despite the less than ideal weather, nearly 20 people showed up to join with others around the nation in observing the National Day of Prayer.
Photos courtesy of Christa Wetzel
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