National Day of Prayer will be observed in Vicksburg Thursday with nine prayer sites and a breakfast, new this year.

The observance, signed into law in 1952 by President Harry Truman, was developed to give people of all faiths the opportunity to pray together.

The breakfast is set for 8 to 9 a.m. at Battlefield Inn on North Frontage Road. Meteorologist Paul Williams of Jackson NBC affiliate WLBT will be the guest speaker.

“He’s a positive person and one that believes in prayer,” said Vicksburg-Warren County National Day of Prayer Committee Chairman Dr. Willie Nettle, who is pastor of Bypass Church of Christ on U.S. 61 North.

Cost is $5 per person, and reservations are encouraged.

Later in the morning and in the afternoon, people will gather at sites around town to pray.

The committee was established in 1996. This year’s theme is “Prayer for Such a Time As This.”

The idea is based on Nahum 1:7, Nettle said, which says, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”

The Day of Prayer will go on, rain or shine, Nettle said.

However, indoor sites will be offered, he said, for the elderly.

If you go

The Vicksburg-Warren County National Day of Prayer Committee will begin activities at 8 a.m. Thursday with breakfast at Battlefield Inn on North Frontage Road. Cost is $5, and reservations are encouraged. Call 601-638-6165 or 601-638-5142 by 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Indoor prayer sites:

• Vicksburg Convalescent Home, Cherry Street — Time TBA.

• Heritage House, Wisconsin Avenue — 10 a.m.

• Highland Baptist Church, Halls Ferry and Cain Ridge — 12:15-12:45 p.m.

Outdoor prayer sites (12:15-12:45):

• Pemberton Plaza (across from Kroger)

• Marcus Bottom, at Bowmar Avenue and Halls Ferry Road

• City Hall

• Harbor area (follow signs)

• Riverfront Park

• Old Court House Museum