In a world where prayer and religion have become tabooed subjects, Crenshaw County still chooses to observe the National Day of Prayer.

This year marks the 65th annual observance for Crenshaw, and many have already made their plans to attend.

According to David Smyth, Crenshaw County Administrator, the observance of the National Day of Prayer dates back to 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln established a fall observance to coincide with our celebration of Thanksgiving.

Then, in 1952, President Harry Truman established a spring observance that became officially known as the National Day of Prayer.

“In May of 1988, President Reagan signed the first Thursday of May into law as the day we will celebrate next Thursday,” Smyth said.

“I will be giving the history and annual theme portion of the program; the theme is ‘Wake Up, America’ and the Bible verse selected will be Isaiah 58:1.”

The program will be held on Thursday, May 5, and will start at 11:30 a.m. on the front steps of the Crenshaw County Courthouse in Luverne. All interested are invited to attend.

Prominent members of Crenshaw County will be in attendance and will also take the time to share their views on the power and importance of prayer.

“Those in attendance will be: Crenshaw County Probate Judge Will Tate, Town of Brantley Mayor Bernie Sullivan, Bro. Clay Crum of the First Baptist Church of Luverne, Crenshaw County Commission Chairman and reverend of Rockwest Baptist Church Bro. Charlie Sankey, Jr., Rev. Bob Yawn of the Luverne United Methodist Church, Pastor James Taylor from St. John Baptist Church, Dr. Sam Tate from South Luverne Baptist Church and Bro. Tim Davis from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Brantley,” Smyth said.

Smyth believes that those in positions of authority have a responsibility to do the best they can for their county and state; he says he knows that without relying on the Lord, this is not possible.

“We need to be seeking God’s wisdom when faced with the crucial decisions that State and Local Government are faced with daily,” Smyth said.

“We look to do just that Thursday, May 5 at 11:30 a.m. on the front steps of our courthouse.”