The community is invited to Boothbay Baptist Church which will observe the 62nd annual National Day of Prayer tonight, May 2, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., in the sanctuary.

The theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer (NDP) is “Pray for America,” based on Matthew 12:21, which reminds us that, “In His name the nations will put their hope.”

During the service, in addition to music, there will be prayer for specific spheres of influence which make up our nation: the government, military, media, families, education, business and church.

The church is also open during the day today for anyone who would like to stop in to pray for the nation on their own.

The Pray for America “E4 Challenge” is designed to Engage, Equip, Encourage and Encounter the Lord through prayer.

The NDP Task Force chairman is Shirley Dobson and honorary chairman is Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Crusades, who will deliver the keynote speech at the national observance in Washington, D.C.

Beginning May 24, as a follow-up to the National Day of Prayer, there will be a national Pray for America Rally Tour which will start in New England and will come to Portland. Other well-known ministries are joining the bus tour, including Joni and Friends with Joni Eareckson Tada, Dr. David Jeremiah of Turning Point, Pastor Greg Laurie, and more.

The team will meet with governors, mayors, pastors and church groups and will hold prayer rallies. To follow this tour online as the team travels from city to city, go to the Pray for America website, www.commit2pray.com/.

For more information, call the church office at 207-633-7378. Boothbay Baptist Church (www.boothbaybaptist.com) is located opposite the Common at Boothbay Center.