The 73rd Annual National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 2, and the Fountain Hills Christian Ministerial Association is planning several opportunities for the community to participate in praying for the town and the nation.

 This year’s theme for the National Day of Prayer is, “Lift Up the World - Light Up the World.”

Morning events

Starting at 8 a.m., a prayer walk is planned in Fountain Hills where participants can meet at the Fountain Park Amphitheater for a guided prayer walk on the Lake Overlook Trail or around the Fountain.

For those who are not able to join in the prayer walk but would still like to participate, a time of seated prayer will commence at 8 a.m. at the Fountain Park Amphitheater.

Also at 8 a.m., Community Church of the Verdes in Rio Verde (25603 N. Danny Lane) is hosting prayer in the courtyard followed by breakfast at Honey and Sol, 25609 N. Danny Lane.

Afternoon events

Join others for prayer at the Town Hall flagpole at 12 noon.

This is an opportunity to pray for town and national concerns, a press release read.

Later in the day and into the evening, several other opportunities to pray are available at churches throughout the community.

Join any of the scheduled prayer meetings at a local congregation. All meetings are scheduled for one hour.

- 4 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills, 16150 E. El Lago Blvd. (Combined with Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church)

- 6 p.m. at Scottsdale Bible Fountain Hills, 15202 N. Fountain Hills Blvd.

- 6 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 13770 N. Fountain Hills Blvd.

- 6:30 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Fountain Hills, 13215 N. Verde River Drive.

- 6:30 p.m. at Christ Church of Fountain Hills, 15555 E. Bainbridge Ave.

- 7 p.m. at Desert Creek Fellowship, 15024 N. Ivory Drive.

The National Day of Prayer focuses prayer time around seven aspects of society including The Church, Family, Education, Business/Workplace, Military, Government and Arts/Entertainment/Media.

For more information about the Fountain Hills Christian Ministerial Association, visit fountainhillscma.org.