Thursday

marks the 49th annual celebration of the National Day of

Prayer.

The theme

for this year's observance is "Pray2K: America's

Hope for the New Millennium," based on Romans 12:12

- "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer."

Local

events will begin with a youth prayer rally 7 - 8 a.m. at

the fountain on the square of Stonewall Village in

Fayetteville. An interdenominational breakfast will be 8

- 9:15 a.m. at Grace Evangelical church.

A noon

prayer vigil, involving community leaders, pastors and

public officials, will center the day of prayer at noon.

Participants should assemble around the fountain at

Stonewall Village for an hour of prayer, praise and

blessings.

The largest

gathering is expected for the 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Family of

God Gathering, also at the fountain. All denominations

are invited to come and join hands in prayer and praise

to God.

"In

south metro Atlanta, we are witnessing an incredible

movement of God," said Ted Climo, coordinator for

the Fayette County observance. "Churches of many

different denominations are uniting in prayer to seek God

together," he added.

"History

records that the father of our country, George

Washington, publicly knelt in prayer before every battle.

In fact, many scholars believe that the economic

blessings enjoyed by America are largely due to the faith

of its founding father," Climo added.