DAY OF PRAYER SERVICES SLATED

It's a simple event that has drawn national attention from Congress and presidents during its 45-year history. On Thursday, millions of Americans will gather around the country for the National Day of Prayer.

In Cape Girardeau, a community service will be held at noon on the steps of City Hall at 401 Independence. In case of rain, the service will be at Christ Episcopal Church at 101 N. Fountain.

Mayor Al Spradling III will lead a prayer for the city in Cape Girardeau's service, which is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Ministerial Alliance.

Other community leaders who will participate include Bonnie Gerecke, executive director of the Safe House for Women Inc., television reporter Susana Baylon and area ministers.

Hanover Lutheran Church will hold an all-day prayer vigil and 7 p.m. service. First Church of the Nazarene and First Baptist Church in Sikeston also will have evening services, both beginning at 7 p.m.

In Sikeston, the prayer service is part of the activities in the Charleston Baptist Association. R.L. Beasley, executive director of the American Family Association of Missouri, will speak at the church.

The theme for the 45th annual event is "Honor God," based on scripture from 1 Samuel 2:30. Prayers will be offered for the nation, state, city, education, environment, home and family.

"This is an exciting opportunity for us to join our hearts in prayer with millions of Americans all over our nation and intercede on behalf of our leaders, schools, churches, businesses and families," said Sherri Mehner, a local event organizer.

"Do we feel helpless to change things we see going wrong? Well, here's our opportunity to have a positive influence on our country's future."

The National Day of Prayer began with a joint resolution of Congress that President Harry S. Truman signed into law in 1952. It established an annual day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended to establish the first Thursday in May as the official National Day of Prayer.

"We truly believe the prayer of God's people is our nation's only hope and greatest untapped resource," said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task force.

Last year was the first observance recognized by governors in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. President Clinton also signed a proclamation on that day.