The National Day of Prayer was observed Thursday across the nation and here in Vicksburg.

The day began with a community prayer breakfast at Bypass Church of Christ Annex with local local law enforcement, clergy and more sharing a meal.

Director of Lifting Lives Ministries Joel Dimmette spoke on this year’s theme of “Wake Up America.”

“The world needs a little less talking from us who are believers and a little more doing,” Dimmette said. “We are to be in the world but not of the world, and that takes prayer.”

He explored how prayer makes a difference in people’s lives. Lifting Lives Ministries was created from prayer, he said of the family shelter that provides resources and training to those in need. Once the shelter facility opens, it will be the largest family shelter in Mississippi, he said.

“We address not only physical and social concerns, but we as a Christian ministry seek to help them spiritually,” Dimmette said.

It is important to go to God, he said, in times of joy and times of trouble.

Dr. Willie Nettle, chair of the Vicksburg Warren County National Day of Prayer Committee, chose Dimmette to speak because he believes in the mission of Lifting Lives Ministries.

“We really need to get on board and support this good work because there is really a great need,” Nettle said.

South Ward Alderman Willis Thompson and Warren County Board of Supervisors President Richard George both made remarks and mentioned projects, like the city’s infrastructure, that could benefit from prayer.

Rep. Oscar Denton stressed the importance of serving people. He said he was concerned about all the budget cuts the Legislature has recently approved.

“We do try to spend money wisely, but by doing that sometimes we affect the lives of all of you,” Denton said.

He tries to keep in mind how his vote will impact people, and he has trouble dealing with being a part of votes that destroy lives, he said. He asked people to pray for government and hold elected officials accountable by speaking up.

At 12:15 p.m. three locations in Vicksburg— City Hall, Pemberton Plaza and Word of Faith Christian Center— hosted a time of prayer lead by members of the Vicksburg Warren County National Day of Prayer Committee— Nettle, John Carroll and Kenneth Posey.

At City Hall the 30-minute prayer session began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner.

“The National Day of Prayer exists to communicate to every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer,” Carroll said during his welcome to the crowd. “It stands as a call for us to humbly come before God seeking his guidance for our leaders and his grace upon us as a people.”

Brian Boykins, chief of staff for the city of Vicksburg, read a proclamation by Mayor George Flaggs Jr. and both alderman proclaiming Thursday a National Day of Prayer in Vicksburg.

Five local leaders then said five separate prayers for local, state and national leaders. Apostle Linda Sweezer of House of Peace Worship Church prayed for national leaders including President Barak Obama, his cabinet and all involved in the upcoming presidential election. Pastor John Williams of Greater Mount Lebanon Church and the Mississippi River Commission said a prayer for the city, state and nation.

The Rev. Tim Brown of First Presbyterian Church prayed for state leaders, Vicksburg Fire Chief Charles Atkins prayed for local school leaders and pastor Mitchell Dent of Mount Caramel Ministries prayed for the community.