Thursday marked the 65th Annual National Day of Prayer with more than 120 citizens coming together to pray for the nation, Brown County, the City of Brownwood, and for all Christians.  The event took place at 12:15 p.m. at the Pat Coursey Park in downtown Brownwood.

Local volunteers Joyce Leidig, Grace Hefner and Rick Phelps organized the event with speakers Dallas Huston and Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes.  Jill Goodwin sang the National Anthem and led the crowd in singing God Bless America at the close of the ceremony.

Several citizens remained after the service and prayed in small groups.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Since its inception, this day has continually united Americans from all socio-economic, political, and ethnic backgrounds in prayer while also encouraging personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.

The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans and is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens to celebrate our most beloved freedom; the freedom to humbly come before God and seek His guidance in prayer, organizers explain.

The theme for 2016 was “Wake Up America,” emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to “return to the God of our Fathers in reverence for His Holy Name,” according to the National Day of Prayer website.  To further highlight this theme, organizers chose Isaiah 58:1 as the Scripture for this year: “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.”

Pictured above and below are photos of the event.

Citizens gathered for the National Day of Prayer at Pat Coursey Park.

Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes leads a prayer.

Rick Phelps leads a prayer during the service.

One of several small groups that continued to pray after the service.