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On May 2, local officials and religious leaders gathered at the steps of City Hall to observe the National Day of Prayer. Music was provided by W.O Parmer’s first and second grade choir, and the event opened with an address from Mayor Dexter Mclendon.

“I say to you today, the city of Greenville needs your prayers. This world we’re in right now needs your prayer more than I have ever seen in my adult life. We need to turn, get on our knees and pray about what’s going on…all over the world. It scares me,” Mclendon said. “I say to you today as a city, we are very, very fortunate because the people that are on the city council, the people that are running the city, we all believe in prayer.”

According to information provided by the National Day of Prayer organization, the annual observance, held on the first Thursday of May, is a time for people to come together in prayer for the nation. Established in 1952 through a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, the National Day of Prayer encourages individuals to reflect on the need for personal repentance and prayer. The organization’s Task Force works to mobilize the Christian community to pray for America’s leaders and families, emphasizing the country’s historical foundation rooted in prayer and reverence for the God of the Bible.

Pastor John Girdley of First Baptist Church in Greenville also spoke at the event.

“The National Day of Prayer provided believers from our city and county a great opportunity to gather in unity and prayer,” Girdley said. “This would not be possible without a city that cooperates with churches and ministries to promote such an important moment like prayer. What a blessed day!”