The National Day of Prayer is May 5, 2011; and the theme for the events is "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." In keeping with the theme, events for the day in Minot this year will include nine prayer stations open throughout the day, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Grand International Inn in the Grand Ballroom.
"People can spend as much time as they like at each prayer station. We will have a prayer atmosphere in the ballroom, with the Word on tape and background music playing," Larry Borud, pastor at Northland Harvest Church and co-chairperson for the National Day of Prayer events, said.
"This is our first time we've tried this, but I think it will add to the day if people want to just get away to pray and spend as much time as they want to. This gives them the opportunity to do that," he added.
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National Day of Prayer poster
The themes for the nine prayer stations represent major "spheres of influence" that shape our society, including church, family, education, media, government, arts and entertainment, business, military and Israel.
Prayer stations
"Part of the National Day of Prayer already emphasizes seven of those prayer stations, or what they call mountains or spheres of influence. We chose to add a couple more, one being the military and another being Israel," Borud said.
At the stations, information on praying for each sphere of influence will be displayed and individuals can take their time praying privately.
Prayer gatherings
In addition to the prayer stations, community prayer gatherings are planned for the day as well. The first gathering, scheduled from noon to 12:50 in the ballroom, will focus on seeking God for our city.
"There have been a number of people in the city who have been doing 40-day fasting and praying, which ended on Palm Sunday. The noon gathering's focus is going to be on seeking God for our city, like the focus of the fasting and praying has been," Borud said.
A second prayer gathering is scheduled for 7 p.m., also in the ballroom, with the focus directed toward the nine "spheres of influence" that affect local communities and the nation.
"On the National Day of Prayer, what we're doing is linking arms with the rest of the church throughout the nation, and praying not just for our nation, but for our local communities and cities as well," Borud said. "Everyone is welcome to join us, or come at any part of the day," he added.