Submitted information
For The Arkadelphian

All are invited to an event that got its start more than two decades ago.

The National Day of Prayer will be held beginning at noon Thursday, May 5, at Third Street Baptist Church. The 40-minute prayer session, held in the church sanctuary, will include song and other ceremonial displays.

Following a song from the Clark County Christian Academy, Greg Lathem will give the welcome and introduction. The Arkadelphia High School JROTC will post the colors, followed by the “Star-Spangled Banner” sang by Preston Jones.

The CCCA will lead pledges to the American and Christian flags and Bible. Clark County Judge Troy Tucker and Arkadelphia City Manager Gary Brinkley will read a proclamation. 

Rick Mays will lead a prayer for national leaders, and Kyle Jones will lead a prayer for military before another song from the CCCA. Louis Heard will lead a prayer for local leaders, Llewellyn Terry Sr. will lead a prayer for families, and Henry Hunley will lead a prayer for youth and students. Jimmy Derby will finish the event with closing remarks and benediction.

The National Day of Prayer event was started locally in 1999 by Leah Hasley, making Thursday’s ceremony the 23rd annual event in Arkadelphia.

This year’s Bible verse is from Colossians 2:6-7: “Exalt the Lord who has established us”.