NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

The power of prayer is widely recognized in these parts. The recent annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast in Cape Girardeau drew hundreds of participants to the Show Me Center.

Today, another special day of prayer will be observed throughout the nation. It is the National Day of Prayer. First declared by President Harry Truman in 1952, the national observance has since been endorsed by the governors of every state.

Several events are planned in Cape Girardeau and Scott counties. Two major events include a prayer service on the steps of Cape Girardeau's City Hall at 11:30 a.m. today and another service at 7 p.m. at Cape Girardeau Central High School. Community leaders will take part in both services.

Each day, the Southeast Missourian offers a brief prayer on this page in the hope that the spiritual well-being of reader will somehow be uplifted. Today is a good occasion to join in any of the National Day of Prayer observances in the area.

Other services in Cape Girardeau:

6:30 a.m., Hanover Lutheran Church

6:30 a.m., St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

7 a.m., Cornerstone Church

7:15 a.m., Mid-America Teen Challenge

12:15 p.m., LaCroix United Methodist Church

2 p.m., St. Francis Medical Center cafeteria

5:15 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

7 p.m., Second Missionary Baptist Church