Here's an invitation: Participate

in praying for our nation during the next three days of events in Fayetteville.

These are the times that try

men's souls, so let's try some prayer to the One who made us for His blessing

and continued protection of our land.

The National Day of Prayer

begins locally with a Youth Prayer Rally at the fountain on the southwest

corner across from the old county courthouse in Fayetteville. The time

is 6:30 to 8 a.m. "It will be a time of prayer and praise for youth

only," said the Rev. Gray Harwell, one of the coordinators of the

day's events.

Then at 8 a.m., Grace Evangelical

Church hosts the Countywide Prayer Breakfast. Grace is on Flat Creek Trail

off Ga. Highway 54 near Peachtree City. Those attending include local

political, elected and civic leaders, and they and other leaders get prayed

for. Call 770-487-0791 to let them know you plan to attend.

End the day by gathering with

your neighbors on the lawn of First Baptist Church of Fayetteville, about

a block east of the old courthouse. You can bring a picnic supper and

lawn chairs beginning at 6:30 p.m. and join in some directed praying for

the nation.

Expect some praise and worship,

Harwell said, but, "The focus will be on smaller groups getting together

for some prayer as directed by the ministers leading the event."

There's something Friday, too.

Pastor Cheri Ledford of Living Stones Christian Center will be hosting

a "community communion service" from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the

Log Cabin, just south of the courthouse square.

Then, Saturday is the annual

"Celebrate Jesus" parade, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Fayette

County High School parking lot. Christians of all denominations and no

denominations are invited to walk from there to Heritage Park at the Stonewall

Avenue government complex.

It will be an all-family, all-fun

day as several local churches have come together to sponsor an all-free

all-day fair. "There will be music, fun and activities for the young

and old alike, and all in between," said Pastor Ledford. "Everything

will be free. On site, there will be a moonwalk, giant slide, radar speed

pitch, clowns, cotton candy, snow cones, concession stand and much more."

Topping off the day will be

a youth concert beginning at 4 p.m. (bring a lawn chair). You're invited.