The National Day of Prayer will be observed at seven sites in Vicksburg Thursday.

The annual observance on the first Thursday of May is a chance for people of all faiths to pray for the United States. Created by Congress and signed into law by President Truman in 1952, the day is marked across the nation — usually during the lunch hour.

This year’s chairman of the local organizing team, Dr. Willie Nettle of Bypass Church of Christ on U.S. 61 North, said this year’s theme is Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield and is based on the verse from Psalm 28:7 that reads, “The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.”

Each site will have a wooden sign directing participants to the exact gathering spot, Nettle said.

Vicksburg observances are scheduled for 12:15 until 12:45 p.m.

In addition, special prayer services will be Thursday morning at Heritage House, Shady Lawn and Vicksburg Convalescent nursing homes.

Prayer sitesThe 57th National Day of Prayer will be observed in Vicksburg from 12:15 until 12:45 p.m. Thursday.The sites are:City HallKings CommunityMarcus BottomMat Sinking UnitPemberton PlazaVicksburg District Corps of EngineersHighland Baptist Church (especially for senior citizens)