Each year, the National Day of Prayer grows in breadth and participation. Propelled by Chairman Rev. Richard Gurganus, pastor of the Church on the Rise, morning, evening and all-day prayer will be added to the traditional noontime observance Thursday at the Rocky Mount City Hall courtyard.

Church of the Good Shepherd will host the morning prayer for pastors, who will focus on the local church in the Twin counties. Fellowship will follow.

Twelve other churches will be open all day for prayer in locations all over the city where people can spend a quiet hour at their own convenience to lay before almighty God their petitions and praises for our city, state, nation and the upcoming elections.

The churches are: Cornerstone Vineyard, U.S. 301 South, next to Carpetland; Englewood Presbyterian, 100 Englewood Drive; Faith and Victory Christian Outreach, 1136 Benvenue Road; First United Methodist, 100 S. Church St.; Nashville Baptist, 512 E. Washington St.; Nash General Hospital Chapel; Northside Community Church, 1660 Beaver Pond Road; Rock Church of Tarboro, 2147 N.C. 64 E.; Trinity Lutheran, 433 S. Winstead Ave.; Truth Tabernacle, 704 Arlington St.; West Edgecombe Baptist, 3741 Cokey Road; Word Tabernacle, 820 Nashville Road.

The noon program Thursday at City Hall courtyard will be compressed to 30 minutes for the convenience of those on their lunch hour, but band music and walks to the courtyard from the north, south, east and west will begin at noon.

People converging from all points of the compass represent all of Rocky Mount coming together. Walks will originate from Life Changing Outreach Church on the Edgecombe side of Main Street, the Keel House on Nash Street, First United Methodist on Church Street and the lawn at the train station. Band members will lead the walkers playing "When the Saints Go Marching In."

Evening prayer will begin at 7:25 p.m. at the Dunn Center at N.C. Wesleyan College. The Patsy Gilliland Quartet will open the worship, followed by prayer and a citywide choir singing familiar hymns. Light refreshments will be served in the lobby after the program. Volunteers are welcome.

Janice Gravely

Rocky Mount