The sixth annual Fountain Hills National Day of Prayer (NDOP) gathering will be Thursday, May 4, at the Fountain Park amphitheater.

The NDOP theme for 2017 is “For your great name’s sake! Hear us...Forgive us...Heal us.” The Bible scripture is Daniel 9:19: “O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive. O Lord hear and act! For your sake, O my God.”

Complimentary hot dogs, beverages and desserts will be served from 5 to 5:45 p.m. at the park before the program.

National Day of Prayer central organization reports that there is a national law requiring the president to proclaim a National Day of Prayer annually on the first Thursday in May.

The local NDOP committee encourages individuals to join together in a monthly common prayer focus. The April focus is the family.

The local group suggests reading Biblical verses about the family: Mark 3:25, Romans 12: 9-13, Malachi 4:5-6, and Proverbs 22:6.

The planning committee issued a statement that reads: “In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is important that our churches defend the value of the family and model the priority of the family.

“Family is the first learning place of an individual. Parents are the most important teachers a child will have. Starting from childhood until old age, the family is the source of guidance, care and encouragement.

“Ask God to give parents strength and patient wisdom as they bring up their children. Help teach families to love and respect each other. Show them how to support and encourage each other.

“Thank you for the work you do to give young persons strength to hold their faith in God as they meet life’s challenges.

“Pray for those who live alone that they will find fulfillment in loving God and their neighbors.

“The elderly are the guardians of our traditions and memories. They are the link to different generations. Let us care for, spend time with and learn from them.”

Prayer for the Family

Heavenly Father, please shine your light upon our families.

We ask you to strengthen the relationship between parents and children and return us to the biblical and family values that are pleasing to you.

Give both parents and children the strength, wisdom and guidance needed to overcome the difficulties that we deal with daily.

Protect us and guide us with all problems that we may encounter in the future.

Grant our family forgiveness for any sins we have committed.

May the love that binds us only grow stronger as we fulfill the destiny you have laid out for us.

We love you and ask your blessings upon our family and upon all the families in our nation and in the world.

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.