Area prayer events planned for Thursday

Two prayer gatherings are planned on Thursday in Oklahoma City, including a National Day of Prayer observance and an interfaith event.

The National Day of Prayer service is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City, NW 4.

Event organizers said the prayer gathering will include several community, state leaders and dignitaries joining together to lead attendees in prayer for the city, state and nation.

The popular service has been held for many years at the state Capitol, but was moved to downtown Oklahoma City in 2015 due to construction at the Capitol. The service returns to First United Methodist this year for the same reason.

The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

This year’s observance at First United Methodist is among several planned around the metro and state. This year’s theme is “For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us ... Forgive Us ... Heal Us!, taken from Daniel 9:19.

Meanwhile, the Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma’s annual Day of Reflection event is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 222 NW 15.

Organizers said the Day of Reflection gathering is an inclusive event open to people of all faiths.

It will include the ringing of the Freedom Bell and a special interfaith children’s music program.