(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Inside-Out Ministries will host the city’s observance of National Day of Prayer on May 2.

“Join us as we come together in Madison, as for the last 17 years, and pray for our city,” Deborah Ward said. She and husband Larry Ward are founders of Inside-Out Ministries, located at 103 Gin Oaks Court in downtown Madison just west of Sullivan Street.

On May 2, the observance will open with a prayer breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. The facility then will remain open until 4 p.m. for individuals to have open prayer and read scripture.

“All Madison officials, school principals and administrators, church pastors and leaders are invited to share this time together as we seek guidance, strength, wisdom, salvation and protection for our families, churches, community, media, military, schools, city, state and nation,” Deborah Ward said.

In advance of the observance, Mayor Troy Trulock with present a proclamation for National Day of Prayer on April 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Inside-Out Ministries.

Ward referenced scripture, 2 Chronicles 7:14, that emphasizes prayer’s importance: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

“The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer,” Ward said.

In 1952, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution for a day of prayer, and President Harry S. Truman signed the resolution into law. “In 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May,” Ward said.

A privately funded task force encourages participation in the annual observance for people of all faiths to pray for the nation.

For more information, call 256-325-5193 or visit inside-outministries.org.