The National Day of Prayer is set for Thursday, which also marks the return of the Prayer on the Square event to downtown Gainesville.
The Gainesville community can participate in two events Thursday, including a breakfast at the Gainesville Civic Center beginning at 6:30 a.m. Prayer on the Square will be held at noon that afternoon on the Gainesville square.
Brandy Sandoval with Hall County Prayer said those participating in the National Day of Prayer will focus on eight topics.
"We have business leaders, pastors, leading the sections," Sandoval said. "The sections are military, family, business, churches, government, education, media and life. People gather around, we pray for three minutes, and then we have a rotation."
The Prayer on the Square event is free and open to the public.
Maxine Wagner with Hall County Prayer said spots are still open for breakfast Thursday morning.
"There are lots of sponsorships of tables by businesses and churches and individuals, but we do always have individual seats available," Wagner said. "Anyone who would like to come can show up at the door, and there will be tickets for $20 apiece. They can join us and we'll find a seat for them."
Wagner said the National Day of Prayer has historical ties dating back before the founding of the United States.
"The Continental Congress in 1775 proclaimed setting aside a day of prayer, then in 1952 under President Truman, Congress established an annual Day of Prayer," Wagner said. "Then in 1988, under President Reagan, the law was amended and he designated the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday of May."
