Nearly 100 people gathered on the courthouse lawn, participating with many other communities throughout America celebrating the National Day of Prayer on Thursday at the Lawrence County Courthouse.

Various religious, civic, and political leaders joined together in addition to many others coming from all areas of Lawrence County, as people gathered under the shade tree to participate in the event.

This year’s theme was to Pray for America and unity, based upon Ephesians 4:3: “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Reverend Richard Carter, a Vietnam veteran and pastor of Triedstone Baptist Church, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Susan Taylor sang the National Anthem.

Katrina Keith opened with prayer and then five local pastors, Rev. Terry Jones of Resurrection Hope Church UMC, James Kearns with Bald Knob Brethren Church, Jeff Cremeans of the City Mission Church, Margaret Tyson of Quinn Chapel Church and Sallie Schisler of Christ Episcopal Church, led the crowd in prayers for the country, the community, families and political leaders.

The annual event was sponsored by the Ironton Area Ministerial Association, which has held the event for the past 30 years.