National Day of Prayer observances are being planned for Thursday, May 5, throughout Baldwin County.

According to its website, nationaldayofprayer.org, the National Day of Prayer began in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation. This call to prayer has continued through American history, including President Abraham Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863.

In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Harry S Truman, declared an annual, National Day of Prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

Nationally, this year's theme is "Exalt the Lord who has established us" based on Colossians 2: 6-7.

Here are upcoming National Day of Prayer events in Baldwin County on May 5:

Bay Minette
The annual National Day of Prayer observance in Bay Minette will be held beginning at 8 a.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.
Guest speakers will include Dorothy Johnson with New Jerusalem Church and Jamie Tillery with the First Baptist Church of Bay Minette. Music will be provided by Kim Curry with Deliverance Ministry.

A service will also be held at noon at the gazebo in front of the Baldwin County Courthouse in Bay Minette.

Central Baldwin Chamber

The Central Baldwin Chamber will present the 18th Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Baldwin County Coliseum, 19477 Fairground Road in Robertsdale.

This year's theme is "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake," based on Psalm 23:3. Breakfast will be served beginning at 6:30 a.m., and the program will start at 7 a.m.

The keynote speaker is Sherman Williams, former University of Alabama and Dallas Cowboys running back and co-founder of the Palmer-Williams Group. He now serves as a motivational speaker, author and youth mentor.

Tickets are $27 each and $200 for a table of eight and can be purchased online at centralbaldwin.com/make-a-payment/, by email bbutler@centralbaldwin.com, by calling 251-947-2626, or in person at the Chamber located at 23150 Highway 59, Robertsdale.

Eastern Shore Chamber

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce will host its 38th Annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Thursday, May 5 at the Daphne Civic Center, 2603 U.S. 98, Daphne.

Tickets are $50 each or $500 for a table of 10.

Keynote speaker for this year's event is the Rev. Dr. Mark Foley, an active Christian speaker, teacher, and consultant in the arena of spiritual development and organizational effectiveness. His website, effectivesolutions.today, provides access to a variety of materials and a devotional message delivered daily to over a thousand subscribers.

Foley served as president of the University of Mobile from 1998 to 2016 and was the third president of the university since its founding in 1961. Foley led the move to intentionally integrate learning, faith and leadership in all areas of university life, while raising academic standards, conducting significant capital expansion, establishing outstanding programs such as the Center for Performing Arts, and leading the university to national rankings. Upon his retirement he was named president emeritus of the University of Mobile.

He served in leadership at national and regional levels in a variety of educational and charitable organizations, including the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and Schools, the Council of Presidents of the Southern States Athletic Conference, and the Board of Directors of Volunteers of America, Southeast, Inc.

Before his service at the University of Mobile, Foley was executive vice president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas; a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology and counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; and conducted post-doctoral studies at Harvard University. He is an ordained minister, a former business owner, and has practiced as a professional counselor.

Summerdale
The 30th Annual Day of Prayer in Summerdale will be held at noon at the Summerdale Municipal Complex, located at 502 W. Lee St., a half-block east of Alabama 59 in Summerdale.

The speaker for this prayer event is Karen Moore, CEO of Baldwin EMC.

A complimentary lunch will be provided following the prayer event.
For more information, contact John Schell at 251-979-8500 or email him at harvest@gmail.com.