Alabama is known as the heart of America's Bible Belt. That fact will be obvious on Thursday, as the National Day of Prayer is observed at over 16 locations across the state.
For exact times and venue locations, click here.
Andalusia
Ashville
Atmore
Birmingham – four prayer sites
Chickasaw
Daphne
Huntsville
Livingston
Mobile – eight prayer sites
Montgomery – two prayer sites
Oneonta
Pell City
Prattville
Semmes
Spanish Fort
Summerdale
Tuscaloosa
Virtual events available anywhere.
On April 17, 1952, a congressional bill initiated by Conrad Hilton of Hilton Hotels and Senator Frank Church of Idaho was enacted.
It stated: "The President shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals."
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed into law an Act that designated the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer.
There will be a sunrise and a sunset prayer and worship service on May 1 on the shores of Alabama's gateway to the world, Mobile Bay. That is altogether fitting, because the original name of the bay was "Bay of the Holy Spirit."
Admission to the Mobile Bay services is free, and no RSVP is needed.
Details include:
Sunrise Gathering | Gates open at 5 a.m. | Event begins at 6 a.m.
Evening Gathering | Gates open at 4:30 p.m. | Event starts at 6 p.m.
25 Old Bay Front Dr., Mobile, AL.
For more information on the two Mobile Bay services, click here.
Jim 'Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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