The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday of May through community events across the country, and Princeton was no exception this year.

Participants this year included leaders from First Christian Church, Messengers of Hope, Fellowship Worship Center, Princeton Lions Club, Faith Baptist Church, Grace Community Church and First United Methodist Church.

Prayers were said publicly for the nation’s military, government, schools, media, businesses, churches and families.

Residents attending the event were invited to pray privately, with cushions provided for kneeling, a prayer wall for writing out prayers, and stations to express prayer through art.

Participants were also invited to release “prayer balloons” before the close of the service.

History of National Day of Prayer

According to the National Day of Prayer Task Force, the day is meant to invite people of all faiths to join in prayer for the nation.

President Harry Truman in 1952 signed the day of observance into law, after a joint resolution of Congress.

The task force was created to “mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families,” according to the NDPTF website.

“The Task Force represents a Judeo-Christian expression of the national observance.”

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