Day of Prayer events set Thursday in Modesto, Ceres

Thursday will mark the 64th consecutive observation of the National Day of Prayer across the nation, according to Modesto’s City Ministry Network. Locally, observances are planned in Modesto and Ceres.

“Starting with John Hancock in 1775, national days of prayer have been celebrated as a traditional part of the American experience,” according to a news release from the Modesto group. “Our modern observances were established by law with unanimous approval by Congress and signed by President Truman in 1952. That law was modified in 1988 by Congress and signed by President Reagan, designating the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer annually.”

The City Ministry Network will hold a Day of Prayer observance from noon to 1 p.m. at Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10 St.

Elected officials and leaders from Christian ministries, businesses and the community are expected to gather “around the flagpole” in the plaza to bless and pray over government, business, families, education, military and more. “A panel of leaders from each sphere of influence will take turns leading corporate prayer,” organizers said.

Seating in the plaza is limited, so anyone unable to stand for an hour may wish to bring a folding chair. For more information, call (209) 217-1955 or email marvin@cityministrynetwork.org.

Ceres Seventh-day Adventist Church will hold a Day of Prayer brunch at 10 a.m. in its Fireside Hall. The community is invited to attend the free event, which will include songs, a message by pastor Anil Kanda, and group and individual prayer.

The church is at 1633 N. Central Ave. For more information, call the church office at (209) 538-1024 or email ceresadventist@sbcglobal.net.

Additional information may be found at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.

This story was originally published May 6, 2015 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Day of Prayer events set Thursday in Modesto, Ceres."