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Brewton area residents are being called to prayer Thursday as the community observes the National Day of Prayer.

A special congregate prayer time will be held on the front lawn of the Escambia County Courthouse on Belleville Avenue beginning at 12:05 p.m. The service will be held until 12:30 p.m.

In case of rain, the service will be moved next door at the First Baptist Church’s sanctuary.

The church will also open it’s sanctuary and prayer room for those who wish to join in prayer from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year’s event marks 70 years of a call to Americans to gather and pray for the country.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”. The president is required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.

According to organizers for the special service Thursday, pastors from area churches will be taking part in the service.Clergy members on the program include Cavin Cawthon, Tommy Quick, Bobby Ellisor, Larry Patterson, Todd Ray, Blake Mohling, Parker Johnson, Jeff Edwards and Marc Edge Jr.

The services will begin promptly at 12:05 p.m. and are open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to practice social distancing when possible.