National Day of Prayer observance scheduled for Thursday, May 1

Community members are invited to join an observance of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 1, beginning at noon in front of the Oneida County Courthouse in Rhinelander. The program will run for approximately 35 minutes and will proceed rain or shine.

The 2025 event is themed “Pour Out to the God of Hope and be Filled,” a phrase inspired by Romans 15:13, which states, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Although the theme draws from a specific scriptural reference, organizers stress that the observance is designed as a nonpolitical and inclusive gathering.

In addition to offering prayers for the nation and its leadership, the event will also focus on interceding for key areas influencing national life, including the military, media, business, education, the church, and the family. Across the United States, more than 30,000 observances of the National Day of Prayer are held annually, with an estimated participation of over two million people.

The National Day of Prayer originated in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. This observance was further reinforced in 1988 when both the House and Senate unanimously amended the legislation, with President Ronald Reagan signing the amendment into law, thereby designating the first Thursday in May as a day for national prayer.

For further information about the event, please call 715-362-4792 or visit nationaldayofprayer.org.