City leaders, residents, and visitors gathered around the steps at Vicksburg City Hall Thursday in one of thousands of observances across the country of this year’s 73rd annual National Day of Prayer.

Serving as program guide for this year’s event was Apostle Linda Sweezer-Rowseter, who was joined in opening the ceremony by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Mu Xi Omega member Jannifer Fisher Banks, who performed a song for the ceremony.

Each year, a number of local pastors and other dignitaries are invited to pray publicly for specific areas of life. 

This year’s roster included a prayer for family by City of Vicksburg-Community Development Department’s Anthony “Benji” Thomas; a prayer for parents and youth by Greater Grove M.B. Church and Greater Zion’s the Rev. Dr. Casey D. Fisher; a prayer for school leaders by Vicksburg Warren School District Board of Trustees (District 2) Alonzo Stevens; a prayer for the nation and national leaders by Elbethel M.B. Church’s the Rev. Gregory Mayfield; a prayer for the state and state leaders by First Baptist Church’s the Rev. Jimmy Henry; a prayer for the city and city leaders by Mt. Carmel M.B. Church Deacon Keafur Grimes Sr.; a prayer for  churches and spiritual leaders by Cadence Bank retiree Mark Buys; and a prayer for servicemen and military leaders by Vicksburg Fire Department Training Officer Courtney Reed.