Thursday will mark the 60th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer.

Several Brewton area churches will be participating in the day of prayer by opening their sanctuaries to offer area residents an opportunity to spend time in prayer.

Brewton’s First Presbyterian Church will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for time of prayer and meditation throughout the day.

The Rev. John Mathieu, pastor at First Presbyterian, said the day of prayer is one that all denominations can participate in.

“The God of the Bible is such that He provides freedom for those who don’t even believe in him,” Mathieu said. “He makes room for other religions in the sense that Christians are to love everybody.”

With the National Day of Prayer, Christians have the opportunity to join in unison with others, regardless of beliefs, Mathieu said.

“The freedom to discuss and debate without the use of force – that is the very basis for us to be able to work along side people who believe differently,” Mathieu said. “Christians can pray with those who don’t believe in the same way and will give them the freedom to pray as they desire. Everyone can come together for the good of the country.

“I believe any Christian would be willing to say the freedom and form of governing in our country depend upon the understanding of God and the way he said to live.”

Mathieu said the day of prayer will give Christians an opportunity to live as God has directed and allow them to serve as a light to the communities in which they live.

A noon service will be held on the Escambia County Courthouse lawn as part of the day of prayer.

Services will begin at 12:05 and conclude at 12:35 p.m. In the event of rain, services will be moved to First Baptist Church of Brewton.